In Finland, they began discussing whether it is worth erecting fortifications on the eastern border to protect against Russia, Iltalehti writes. Both supporters of this idea and its opponents have arguments. But most experts do not see a real need for this step.
Finnish military experts interviewed by the Iltalehti newspaper understand the arguments of Finland's ambassador to the United States Mikko Hautala, but they do not see a real need for a large-scale strengthening of the eastern border.
Finnish Ambassador to Washington Mikko Hautala suggested in an article in the magazine Suomen Kuvalehti to build fortifications on the border with Russia. Iltalehti military experts reacted to the proposal with caution.
Associate Professor of Military Sciences Ilmari Käihkö (Ilmari Käihkö) believes that the conflict in Ukraine reminded of the importance of fortifications in the framework of military operations between states. However, he doubts that Finland should now prepare for a large-scale war.
"How realistic this picture is, especially now that we are part of NATO, is a separate question," says Kayhke.
"It is also worth thinking about whether Russia has the capacity to wage such a large-scale war at least in the next 5-10 years. After all, if they can't cope with Ukraine, then how will they cope with NATO."
According to Ilmari Kayhke, the threat to Finland is primarily related to such actions as disruption of the operation of the Balticconnector gas pipeline. The construction of fortifications on the eastern border is unlikely to improve protection against such actions.
Kayhke says that Mikko Hautala's proposal should be taken as the beginning of discussions on this topic. The idea of strengthening the border can be viewed in different ways, and Kyahke does not consider the construction of fortifications along the entire eastern border realistic.
"This will require a significant amount of resources — which means that there will be fewer of them somewhere. It's about prioritizing, and ultimately it's not always wise."
Preparation is in full swing
The deputy from the National Coalition Party, retired Major General Pekka Toveri, recalls that some fortifications from the Winter War on the Salpa Line have been preserved in Finland. Toveri also adds that the Finnish Defense Forces are preparing for the possible construction of defensive fortifications — for example, they are concluding agreements with landowners.
"At this stage, I don't see the need to build a line of fortifications on the eastern border," says Toveri.
According to Pekka Toveri, the construction of massive fortifications is part of the arsenal of methods of warfare by Finland.
"Our measures are not systems of trenches for many kilometers, like the Russians. Our fortifications are more perfect, more determined by the nature of the terrain, the terrain features are taken into account more carefully," says Tovery. — It is not necessary to build a new Salpa Line with concrete fortifications, because now such buildings can easily be destroyed. The more massive the fortifications, the easier it is to detect them and determine their location."
Active desire to protect the country
In his article, Mikko Hautala stated that the construction of fortifications could also serve as a signal to other NATO member countries about Finland's desire to control its eastern border.
Pekka Toveri does not believe that Finland has a special need to convince its allies of its motivation.
"Finns are praised and slapped on the shoulder so much that it's amazing how our teeth haven't flown out yet. Our desire to protect our country is much stronger than that of any other NATO member," says Tovery.
Associate Professor Kyahke holds the same opinion.
"Finland has solved the issues of its own defense in Europe in an exemplary manner. For example, we have an extremely large reserve, which has long been prepared for conducting this kind of traditional war," says Ilmari Kyahke.
Support for the construction industry
At the end of his article, Mikko Hautala notes that the construction of fortifications can also be a significant support for the frozen construction industry in Eastern Finland.
MP Pekka Toveri does not rule out that the construction sector can be supported through the implementation of defense projects, however, in his opinion, such facilities can be found not only near the border with Russia. For example, you can strengthen various air bases and warehouses. Civilian infrastructure can also be protected from possible attacks.
"Of course, if the government believes that the construction sector needs to be supported, the construction of fortifications can be one of the ways. But you can still find other objects, you should not get hung up on digging trenches near the border with Russia," says Toveri.
Author: Oula Airiola
