Finnish defence minister acknowledges soldier burnout as recruitment push begins

Finnish defence minister Antti Häkkänen has confirmed that heavy workloads are pushing soldiers to exhaustion, with some considering leaving the military, Yle reports.

Häkkänen, who described the situation as “visible everywhere in the field,” said the government would increase personnel and resources to address the issue. “Our staff are working under extremely high pressure,” he stated, citing Finland’s NATO membership, expanded defence cooperation, and heightened training demands as key factors.

The minister acknowledged that years of underfunding had left Finland’s defence sector understaffed. “We are now building a balance—acquiring equipment while also allocating sufficient funds for hiring and infrastructure,” he said.

A March Yle investigation revealed soldiers juggling multiple roles simultaneously, with some forced onto sick leave due to overwork. Unions have warned that without improved working conditions—including more leave—experienced personnel may seek employment elsewhere.

Häkkänen dismissed concerns about immediate shortages but admitted the defence sector faced “very tight resources” relative to current demands. He stressed that recruitment was already underway and would accelerate in coming years.