Finnish Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen decided on 9 October to issue a new decree on the use of Finnish Defence Forces vehicles. The decree aims to improve military mobility on Finland’s road network.
— With the decree, we enable the smooth and efficient movement of troops and equipment on the road network in all security situations, Häkkänen said.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the rules needed revising because of Finland’s changed security environment. The ministry also pointed to growing international military cooperation and allied forces operating in Finland.
He said the reform ensures the Defence Forces can carry out their tasks even when using vehicles or transports that deviate from normal traffic regulations.
The ministry said road safety remains a core principle of the rules. Defence Forces transports must still be planned and carried out with the safety of the road network and other road users in mind.