In this blog post, I review the Security Strategy for Society, which was adpo as a Government resolution, focusing particularly on national defence capabilities. This blog post continues a series, with the two previous posts discussing changes in the security environment and the Finnish defence industry.
The Finnish concept for comprehensive security
The Finnish comprehensive security model is a method created to safeguard the vital functions of society. Its purpose is to ensure that authorities, businesses, and organizations, together with citizens, take care of society’s essential functions under all circumstances.
The vital functions of society are:
- Leadership
- International and EU activities
- Defence capability
- Internal security
- Economy, infrastructure, and security of supply
- Functional capacity of the population and services
- Psychological resilience
With the changing security situation in Europe and Finland’s NATO membership, the Finnish concept for comprehensive security is attracting broad international interest.
The concept for comprehensive security depicted as a diamond
The concept for comprehensive security is depicted in the shape of a diamond, where the corners represent the vital functions of society. The diamond shape illustrates the strong interconnectedness and interdependence of these functions.
If one corner of the diamond fails or weakens, the effects can extend much wider than just the affected function – a small disturbance can cause major issues across the whole system.
At the center of the diamond, a group of citizens is illustrated, emphasizing the individual’s importance to the security of society. Defence capability is placed alongside internal security at the bottom of the diamond, symbolically building the foundation.
Defence capability as a part of preventive security thinking
A strong defence capability and a high level of societal preparedness form a powerful deterrent – a preventive effect against external military threats.
Defence capability is maintained to prevent the use of military force or the threat of force against Finland. If necessary, any use of force will be countered together with NATO allies using military means.
NATO membership and international defence cooperation strengthen Finland’s defence capability. However, it is important to remember that Finland engages in defence cooperation based on its own national interests and the shared interests of participating countries.
A domestically and internationally competitive defence industry plays a crucial role in maintaining Finland’s defence capability.
Finnish defence industry supports comprehensive security and is particularly vital when expertise or systems cannot be acquired from abroad.
General conscription as part of comprehensive security
Finland defends its society, territories, and citizens using all available resources, ensuring the rapid mobilization of societal resources under all circumstances.
General conscription has a long tradition in Finland. It relies on a high level of national defence will, which is maintained and developed as part of comprehensive security.
General conscription also positively impacts individuals’ psychological resilience, which, in turn, strengthens societal resilience. Psychological resilience is the ability to withstand and recover from the stress caused by crises.
Technological advancement challenges traditional preparedness
The war in Ukraine has demonstrated how quickly battlefield technology evolves. It has been reported that up to 75% of Ukraine’s casualties have been caused by drones. Drone-related technology, as well as counter-drone solutions, are developing rapidly.
We are witnessing a race between the utilization of new combat technologies and the ability to protect against them. This phenomenon strongly challenges traditional preparedness systems – stockpiling large quantities of rapidly aging equipment is not advisable.
To stay competitive in this technological race, Finland must ensure that its defence industry maintains rapid response and production capabilities. Continuous product development and innovation, seamlessly integrated into agile production chains, are essential.
Maintaining capabilities requires a defence industry that stays up to date and maintains its competence through regular production even during peacetime. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure the domesticity and security of the raw material supply chains.
Security of supply safeguards the functionality of society during crises
Security of supply means preparing for disruptions and crises. It primarily involves ensuring that essential production, services, and infrastructure necessary for national defence, citizens’ livelihoods, and economic activity are secured during serious disturbances and emergency conditions.
Ensuring society’s security of supply is a national responsibility, although international cooperation complements these efforts.
I will examine Finland’s security of supply system in more detail in the next blog post, which will be published in a couple of weeks.
Finland is strongly prepared – Mectalent with the defence industry
In conclusion, Finland’s preparedness for disruptions and emergency conditions, and the continuous development of these capabilities, are at an excellent level.
Preparation and securing security of supply are especially based on cooperation between authorities, companies, organizations, and citizens.
Mectalent is ready to contribute to this cooperation. Mectalent is a top expert in product development, demanding equipment manufacturing, and precision mechanics. We have been operating in the defence industry for over twenty years, serving as a contract manufacturer for Finland’s most prominent defence companies.
We possess extensive design and production capabilities in precision mechanics and have been involved in manufacturing critical subcomponents, weapon system parts, and components for explosive production.
Read the other parts of the defence industry blog series:
>> Finland’s operating environment has transformed as a NATO member
>> Domestic defence industry plays a key role in Finland’s new defence approach
Aleksi Heikkilä
Defence Advisor
Mectalent Oy
Sources used in this blog:
- Security Strategy for Society, Government, Helsinki 2025
- Article in Tekniikka ja Talous magazine on February 10, 2025
