Reservists in Finland raise funds for dozens of night vision devices
In Central Finland, reservists have raised funds to purchase dozens of night vision devices for the local battalion. The equipment is intended to help reservists train to operate in the dark during crisis situations.
As YLE News reports, the initiative was launched by the Tulitukiosasto association, which supports the operations of Central Finland’s regional forces — the local battalion. Initially, the organizers planned to raise €100,000 for equipment the battalion lacked. One night vision device costs between €5,000 and €10,000.
So far, several dozen devices have been purchased. According to YLE, this is enough for a platoon-level unit to prepare for practical tasks.
Support from foundations and reservists
After receiving permission to raise funds, the association approached foundations and defense organizations. In particular, Teknologiateollisuus allocated €50,000 to the project, while the Jenny ja Antti Wihuri Foundation provided €15,000 for the purchase of night vision devices. Reservist organizations also contributed to the funding.
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The initiators have already raised an amount that YLE compares to the cost of a large private house. Tulitukiosasto plans to raise a total of €500,000 to equip two platoons.
Training for other regions
Training in operations in the dark has become regular in Central Finland, and courses are also offered to reservists from other regions of the country. The courses are conducted by Maanpuolustuskoulutus, or MPK — a public-law association responsible for voluntary defense training in Finland.
Courses on operations in the dark have been added to MPK’s training calendar, and a program with defined objectives and structure has been developed for them. According to Tulitukiosasto representatives, MPK training is coordinated with the Finnish Defence Forces and meets their needs.
Equipment testing
Reservists are also testing devices made by Senop, which operates in the Jyväskylä area. The company stated that trials in conditions close to real use help identify shortcomings that do not always emerge during laboratory and field tests. Light intensifiers and thermal imaging cameras are used during the training.
