Finland must significantly improve northern transport routes for military mobility, says defence committee chair

Finland needs major upgrades to its northern rail and road connections to ensure rapid military reinforcements from NATO allies, according to Heikki Autto, chair of the parliamentary defence committee, Yle reports.

The most critical projects include extending European-standard rail gauge at least to Kemi and Rovaniemi, renewing the Tornio River bridges, and upgrading Highway 21. These connections are vital for linking Finland to Norway’s Narvik port—a key Atlantic access point—and for reinforcing northern defence capabilities.

Autto declined to specify NATO’s exact demands but confirmed that Finland’s military mobility gaps became evident during March’s Cold Response 26 exercise, where Swedish troops crossed into Finland via the Tornio bridges. While he avoided detailing specific weaknesses, he noted that even minor infrastructure upgrades—particularly in Lapland—could reveal logistical vulnerabilities to potential adversaries.

The EU plans to increase funding for military mobility to €17 billion (2028–2034), tenfold the current level. Finland aims to secure a share of these funds, but Autto stressed that most costs—such as the estimated €1.5 billion needed to extend rail links to Rovaniemi—will fall on Finland. The government has so far allocated only €20 million for planning the Haaparanta–Tornio–Kemi section.

Autto urged accelerated planning to meet the 2028 EU funding deadline, noting that NATO provides limited support, primarily for clearly defined military projects like fighter jet alternate landing sites. Meanwhile, Sweden and Norway are already upgrading their sections of the Kiruna–Narvik rail line to boost capacity by 50%.

Domestic political disputes persist over funding priorities. While the government initially planned to finance the western “hour train” rail project via state asset sales, Transport Minister Lulu Ranne (Finns Party) suggested deferring it to the next term—a claim Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (National Coalition) later denied. Some lawmakers reportedly favour redirecting those funds toward the northern Norway rail link instead.

Autto reaffirmed his commitment to advancing critical military mobility projects “at the fastest possible pace,” emphasising their role in Finland’s defence readiness.