Finland to build largest barracks in decades in Sodankylä with focus on infection control

Construction of a new barracks for nearly 700 conscripts will begin this summer at the Sodankylä garrison in northern Finland, public broadcaster Yle reports. The facility, the largest built by the Finnish Defence Forces this century, will include dedicated quarantine spaces and a new health centre to curb outbreaks of infectious diseases.

The project replaces an older barracks demolished due to indoor air quality issues, according to Tiina Vanhanarkaus, construction manager at Defence Properties Finland. Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen approved the investment in January, with completion scheduled for early 2028.

Designed to limit disease spread

The new barracks will feature isolated quarantine rooms with separate ventilation and direct access to sanitation facilities. The adjacent health centre—equipped with a ward, clinic spaces, and dental facilities—will also include convertible isolation areas.

“In recent years, viruses like coronavirus, adenovirus, and meningococcal bacteria have caused major outbreaks in garrisons,” Vanhanarkaus noted. “The design addresses these risks by separating living spaces from drying rooms for gear, improving air quality and comfort.”

A 125-metre-long tent-drying and unit storage building will supplement the complex, accommodating the growing volume of military equipment. Everstiluutnantti Petri Sipilä, chief of staff for the Jaeger Brigade, emphasised that while the barracks primarily serves Finnish conscript training, temporary housing for NATO’s Forward Land Forces (FLF) during exercises remains possible.

Phased construction and renovations

The garrison currently hosts up to 1,400 conscripts, with additional demand for 300 temporary beds during reservist drills. Upon completion, the new barracks will join two others slated for major renovations—both built in the 1980s—while four older wooden barracks will continue as storage. Conscripts will use interim housing during construction.

Defence Properties Finland will launch the renovation projects after the new barracks opens in early 2028, coinciding with the arrival of a new conscript intake.