Finland considers raising age limit for armed forces reservists to 65

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) - Finland considers raising age limits for armed forces reservists to 65, according to local media on Wednesday.

Recalling that the current age limit is 50 for rank-and-file and 60 for non-commissioned officers and officers, the public broadcaster reported that the reform aims to add 125,000 more reservists.

As such, the number of reservists in Finland is expected to reach approximately 1 million people by 2031, it added.

Commenting on the matter, Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen said: "It's not enough to invest in equipment such as major fighter jet procurements and army reforms. We also need Finnish citizens to participate.”

According to the broadcaster, the proposal will now move on to a consultation phase until June, with the government aiming to submit the proposal before the parliament’s summer recess.