We recently noted that Poland has started mandating firearms training for schoolchildren. Now, gun ranges are booming in Finland. The Czech Republic has also started a pilot army training program for high school students. Of course, Ukraine also did so, though they waited until after Russia had invaded their country.
Amid escalating tensions with Russia, Finland has seen a surge in weapons training and self-defense initiatives, spurred by its recent accession to NATO.
Finland‘s government is bolstering this trend by planning to open over 300 new shooting ranges, a significant increase from the current 670. . . .
Weapons training has become a prominent part of Finland’s national defense strategy. The National Defense Training Association has doubled its training days to 120,000 this year compared to three years ago.
Gun ranges across the country, such as the Vantaa Reservist Association in Kerava, are experiencing unprecedented interest, with memberships more than doubling in two years. . . .
Amir Daftari, “Gun Ranges Boom in Finland Amid Rising Russian Threat,” Newsweek, December 19, 2024.
