The Finnish Defence Forces (Puolustusvoimat) and the railway company VR have signed a partnership agreement to develop rail transport within military logistics. The cooperation aims to strengthen the ability to transport own units and materiel, as well as contribute to the reception and movement of allied forces in Finland.
According to a press release from the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command, the agreement covers joint planning and coordination, as well as the long-term development of the reliability and performance capacity of rail transport. VR contributes nationwide rail expertise, knowledge of the transport system, and the ability to carry out demanding transports under various security conditions.
"With Finland's NATO membership, the importance of military mobility is emphasised even more than before. We must have the ability to move our own troops and materiel, as well as enable the reception of allied forces and their mobility and logistical support in Finland. Functioning rail transport and close cooperation with VR are a central part of this whole," says Major General Tero Ylitalo, Commander of the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command, in the press release.
Rail transport is exercised regularly within the Finnish Defence Forces. The exercises are used to develop the movement of troops and materiel, coordination between different actors, and readiness for operations in various situations.
According to the Logistics Command, the cooperation between the Finnish Defence Forces and VR has roots going back to 1917. The new agreement is also intended to strengthen the ability to use the resources and expertise of the civilian transport system for defence needs, as part of Finland's total defence concept.
"Our long-standing cooperation is built on strong mutual trust and a shared commitment to developing our operations for the long term. The partnership agreement further strengthens this foundation and creates opportunities to develop both operational reliability and our joint performance. At the same time, it helps develop Finland's rail transport capabilities, which are important for security of supply," says Eljas Koistinen, Director of Logistics Operations at VR.