Ministry of Defence

As one of the Ministries of the Finnish Government and leading authority in the area of national defence, the Ministry of Defence is in charge of national defence policy and national security as well as of international cooperation in defence policy matters.

The Ministry of Defence acts also an interface between the Government and the Defence Forces. The Government's guidance is transferred through the Ministry of Defence to the Defence Forces, and the needs of the Defence Forces are brought to the attention of the Government via the Ministry of Defence.

Assisted by the Defence Command, the Chief of Defence has direct command and control of the Defence Forces. In administrative matters, the Defence Forces are subordinate to the Ministry of Defence.

The Ministry of Defence employs approximately 150 people. This figure includes approximately 20 military posts. The Ministry is a civilian organisation with a management style that is similar to any other civilian agency.