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Research Projects The National Defence University’s research activities support military defence and overall comprehensive security. The National Defence University is a higher education institution recognized for its military expertise, where res...

Department of Warfare The Department of Warfare is responsible for teaching military theory as a major. The teaching groups carry out the teaching of military theory as a unit consisting of operational art and tactics, strategy and military histor...

Speakers and moderators Moderator: Simo Pesu (FNDU) Lt. Col. Simo Pesu is the head of the Russia Group and a senior researcher at the National Defence University. He earned the General Staff Officer’s Degree in 2004 and has served as a commissione...

#Agents - Young People's Agency in Social Media Dark side of social media - Perspective of comprehensive security How are young people equipped to recognise risks of informational influence and to protect themselves from them? How does social medi...

Impact of teaching Impact of research Sustainability and interaction Responsibility is a cornerstone of the operation of the National Defence University, and, among other things, sustainable development, equality and non-discrimination are at the ...

Our Main Functions The main functions of the National Defence University are research , education and societal impact . The main functions have strategic objectives and goals, that have been created based on our mission, vision and central princip...

Finnish National Defense Courses Finnish national defence courses (NDC) aim to enhance comprehensive security by educating highly influential individuals on societal preparedness and crisis management. Fostering cooperation among various sectors i...

Seminar recordings and podcast episodes Below you will find recordings from previous years’ Russia Seminars and podcast episodes that provide background information on the topic. Recordings Russia Seminar 2026: Russia’s War against Ukraine – Russi...

Research fields You can find information about the National Defence University’s research fields on this website. The military science research conducted in the university is divided into eight different areas: • Operational Art and Tactics • Mili...

Department of Leadership and Military Pedagogy: Professors and Assistant Professors Professors Professor Heikki Kyröläinen, DSportSc, FACSM Field of appointment: Biology of sport, a soldier’s physical performance Teaching and research A soldier’s ...

TAHTO2 Research Project From the willingness to defend Finland to how citizens relate to national defence. This research project examines dimensions of how citizens relate to national defence. Citizenship and relations between the State, citizens ...

27.5.2026 | The fourth annual NATO Senior Leader Seminar (SLS) took place in Brussels from 14–16 April 2026, bringing together senior military and civilian leaders from across the Alliance. Building on the foundations laid in previous years, the seminar focused on adapting NATO’s Comprehensive Approach (CA) and Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) to the evolving security landscape, with particular emphasis on the challenges posed by developments in Europe and the Middle East.

Finnish Defence Studies Finnish Defence Studies is a peer-reviewed publication series under the auspices of the Finnish National Defence University. Its goal is to publish high-quality research within military sciences that is of interest for inte...

10.3.2026 | The National Defence University and the Finnish Society of Military Sciences will organise a Seminar of Military Sciences on 4-5 November 2026. The theme of the seminar this year is The world order is undergoing change - what should be the focus of the military sciences right now? This is an opening of discussion on topical military scientific and closely related phenomena and themes from the perspectives of research, teaching and working as an officer.

23.3.2026 | "Studying tactics" is a clear, instruction-oriented textbook with direct connections to the research process. The textbook is designed to support the teaching of operational art and tactics research, as well as the writing of a thesis.

30.1.2026 | The National Defence University will organize the 8th Russia Seminar in Santahamina on 11–12 February 2026. The theme of the seminar this year is "Russia's War against Ukraine – Russia's Future Military Development".

7.11.2025 | The majority of research on the People’s Liberation Army is conducted in the United States and, so far, the European perspective has not attracted a great deal of attention. Europe, in fact, has a growing need to strengthen its own research networks, so that the effects of China’s military progress would be better understood. The seminar China's Military Modernization and Growing Capabilities in ...

26.8.2025 | The 109th Cadet Course and the 92st Midshipman Course graduate from the Bachelor of Military Sciences programme on 29 August 2025. The Supreme Commander of the Finnish Defence Forces, President of the Republic Alexander Stubb will promote the 173 graduates to the rank of Lieutenant in the Presidential Palace's Hall of State. The graduation day with its traditional ceremonies will be a memorable event for the young officers.

19.9.2025 | The Finnish National Defence University (FNDU) will organise the 8th annual Russia Seminar on 11–12 February 2026 in Helsinki (Santahamina), Finland. The purpose of the Russia Seminar is to increase discussion on the Russian war against Ukraine and produce new knowledge related to the war and warfare.

11.8.2025 | The National Defence University will organize the third doctoral conferment ceremony in its history in Helsinki on 18-20 September. The event will celebrate the doctors and honorary doctors of military sciences to be conferred, as well as Finnish research in military sciences.