Finland will raise the age limit for reservists to 65 starting next year with the goal of bringing the total number of reservists to around 1 million by 2031, Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen said, Anadolu reports.

As of January 1, 2026, the age limit for reservists is being raised to 65, which means that recruits will stay in reserve, regardless of rank, until the end of the year in which they turn 65.

Currently, the upper age limit for reserve service is 50 for enlisted ranks and 60 for officers and non-commissioned officers.

In a statement on Monday, Minister Hakkanen said the amendment would extend the mandatory military service by 15 years for regular soldiers and by 5 years for officers and non-commissioned officers.

“The number of Finnish reservists will be around one million in 2031. This and our other measures to strengthen our defenses signal that Finland ensures its security now and in the future,” Hakkanen said.

The move comes as European countries are increasing militarization to bolster defense capabilities amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

Kaynak: prizrenpost