Pictures from ongoing winter exercises in Finland

[Kekkonen]

There is three main military exercises going on in Finland now, in the three military areas (west, east and north). And the exercises are to train officers to lead large-scale combined units, and to act as the conscripts last and main military exercise before they enter the reserve.

Exercise Pyry 2005: About 4000 soldiers and 700 vehicles in western Finland.
Exercise Otso 2005: About 3500 soldiers and 700 vehicles in northern Finland.
Exercise Peitsi 05: About 3500 soldiers "with associated equipment" in eastern Finland.

Otso

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=118&width=640
T-55M with laser simulation equipment acting as OPFOR...

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=116&width=640
...for these guys with French 112 mm Apilas'

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=115&width=640
Another Apilas, this guy has the new winter camo, which as can be seen seems to be quite
effective. The Canadians have a similar new winter camo to be issued

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=100&width=640
More new Gucci-gear

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=117&width=640
A Pasi APC

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=113&width=640
Checking the grids, these guys are responsible for that indirect fire hits where it's supposed to

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=76&width=640
Target... something

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=73&width=640
AA-gun... and it's cold :)

Pyry

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/pyry2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=115&width=640
Soldiers' home (keeps morale up)

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/pyry2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=110&width=640
MD500D and two lietunents

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/pyry2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=105&width=640
A MP (or SP as it's in Finland)

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/pyry2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=85&width=640
Winter camoed Pasi

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/pyry2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=49&width=640
BTR-50 YVI (digital communications/relay vehicles)

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/pyry2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=59&width=640http://tietokannat.mil.fi/pyry2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=63&width=640
Crotale

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=83&width=640
A "Nasu".

Peitsi

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/peitsi05/include/thumbnail.php?id=41&width=640

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/peitsi05/include/thumbnail.php?id=53&width=640
APC's...

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/peitsi05/include/thumbnail.php?id=52&width=640
...that gets snowchains

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/peitsi05/include/thumbnail.php?id=40&width=640
Used to measure distance

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/peitsi05/include/thumbnail.php?id=12&width=640
Safety officer checking that the soldiers are doing the right thing

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/peitsi05/include/thumbnail.php?id=13&width=640
Sanla messaging device

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/peitsi05/include/thumbnail.php?id=15&width=640
RK 62...

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/peitsi05/include/thumbnail.php?id=16&width=640
...and PKM and TaK 85

[larryzou]

nice Finland army man photos,thinks.

[FOLIO]

Nice pictures !
But where are the simulators on the 2 last pictures ( RK62 & PKM ) ?
Did they use real bullets ? :bash:

[Kekkonen]

Nice pictures !
But where are the simulators on the 2 last pictures ( RK62 & PKM ) ?
Did they use real bullets ? :bash:

They have live fire exercises as well, so yes probably real bullets, although then they probably shoot at targets that pop up or something similar and not each other :)

[eucalyptus]

Was that the "Final" exercise of the recruits? Great pictures Kekkonen :) Have a friend who was in the Finnish military but lived in Sweden, I guess it many Finish got drafted form here.

[DeathForSale]

Good stuff. I jold the Finnish army in high regard for it's mixed arsenal of Western and Soviet weapons.

[kinghk]

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=100&width=640
More new Gucci-gear


Rubber boots M/05?

Whats up with the Finnish soldiers and the rubber boots? It's made for wet conditions, not winter. Why dont the FDF purchase some of these instead http://www.forsvarsbrukt.no/produkter%5C2-skobig.jpg ? They fit outside the regular boots and are both watertight and good isolated. Smartest purchase the Norwegian Armed Forces have done the latest 10 years.

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/peitsi05/include/thumbnail.php?id=40&width=640

This is what I call old school gear. Somewhat big and clumsy perhaps, but on the other hand there's no ir beam to detect.

Nice to see you back btw. Why was you banned?

[tkks]

Rubber boots M/05?

Whats up with the Finnish soldiers and the rubber boots? It's made for wet conditions, not winter.

This is what I call old school gear. Somewhat big and clumsy perhaps, but on the other hand there's no ir beam to detect.

Nice to see you back btw. Why was you banned? That old school gear looks also like old school photo. So, at least to me it looks like that photo is a lot older than the others. And why should you use newer gear if it does not give any advantage. With that I mean, that many of the older equipment can be efficently still used in many tasks (for instance T-55s aren't are more MBTs, but they can still be used for many other purposes, and the new gear goes there where it really makes a difference.

And what comes to the rubber boots, FDF has an other type of rubber boots for winter, which have a type of detachable isolation in them. Some one who can describe it better, please tell more.

They are warmer than any shoes I ever have worn, and they dry really fast compared to shoes.

Only "problem" with rubber boots is, that they don't look cool and sexy, but at least I prefer efficiency over good looks what comes to military gear.

[signatory]

thanks for posting. interesting new camo.

[Kekkonen]

That old school gear looks also like old school photo. So, at least to me it looks like that photo is a lot older than the others.

Actually the photo is brand new since the exercise is ongoing and they are still used. They are not the primary distance measurers of course but I'd rather think they are used as "backup", the man on the picture looks older and given his equipment I'd say he is a reservist and not a conscript.

http://www.mil.fi/maavoimat/joukot/tykpr/laser_etaisyysmittari_lp_7_f.jpg
Primary distance measurer for forward fire control (Norwegian LP 7 SF)

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/kalustoesittely/media/1084951687_05.Maalinpaikantamislaite_TAS-10.jpg
To measure distance and to designate targets (Swiss TAS-10)

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/kalustoesittely/media/1112076668_AfotasArt.JPG
For area surveillance, forward fire control and target designation, Finnish AFOTAS ART

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/kalustoesittely/media/1084951607_01.paikantamistutka_cymbeline.jpg
Cymbeline, artillery locating radar

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/kalustoesittely/media/1112076718_TUTKA.JPG
Israeli AGSUR (doppler radar), for surveillance and fire control, range 5-15 km depending on terrain

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/kalustoesittely/media/1084949881_13.KT-KRH-LASKIN.jpg
Artillery/mortar calculator, used for four field guns or two mortars to calculate the values...

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/kalustoesittely/media/1084949899_14.KRH-LASKIN_tykkipaate.jpg
[i]...and the crew of the field gun/mortar gets the numbers on this box

http://www.mil.fi/maavoimat/joukot/tykpr/stereoetaisyysmittari_07_zeiss.jpg
Old school (0,7 Zeiss)

http://www.mil.fi/maavoimat/joukot/tykpr/haarakiikari_60_gaur.jpg
Old school 2 (60 Gaur)

[CSAR]

That MP seems to have some sort of tactical non-standard sling in his rifle, any info about that anyone? What are they called, who uses them and how much there are those?

[Turre]

Excellent pics!

During my service,our company obtained all kind of new stuff for test use.
(different type snowsuits,gloves,etc.)

There was also couple of those spotty snowsuits.We called guys,who were wearing them,Dalmatians :)

One guy had totally black anorak type suit.I don`t know what it was called.
But it looked very nice,actually so nice,that i coud buy it.

Turre

[PRKL]

And what comes to the rubber boots, FDF has an other type of rubber boots for winter, which have a type of detachable isolation in them. Some one who can describe it better, please tell more.


http://www.mil.fi/laitokset/talv/footwear2_en.dsp

http://www.mil.fi/laitokset/talv/image14.jpg

[keimo lantio]

http://www.mil.fi/laitokset/talv/footwear2_en.dsp

http://www.mil.fi/laitokset/talv/image14.jpg

Those bubber boots with removable insulation works like a charm. Insulation is easy to remove and dry for example in a tent or your sleeping back (with your body heat).

Normal shoes tend to get wet durinh winter either from snow or by perspiration. Either way, shoes are much more difficult to dry. And, it is VERY important that you have dry shoes durin -20 to -30 celcius wheather.

[Taekwondo]

Good pictures, beat me in posting them!

And rubber boots work like a charm. Never had any trouble with them, but some poor fellows used them with a single sock per feet only, so their feet looked a bit bad after a while.

[Kekkonen]

Small update, the combat shooting phase will begin now so in the next few days there will hopefully be some nice pictures.

Pyry

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/pyry2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=139&width=640
MP, warm and cosy gloves but would sure not be able to handle his weapon in a hurry.

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/pyry2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=130&width=640
Fairly new Benz ambulanses

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/pyry2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=136&width=640
Field toilet m/05

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/pyry2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=143&width=640
First aid station tent

Peitsi

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/peitsi05/include/thumbnail.php?id=66&width=640
Reservist (note long hair) with a KvKK LMG

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/peitsi05/include/thumbnail.php?id=60&width=640
A pulk, a winter soldiers' friend

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/peitsi05/include/thumbnail.php?id=65&width=640
A cadet leads his units' AA-fire

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/peitsi05/include/thumbnail.php?id=63&width=640
"Sergei" AA gun

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/peitsi05/include/thumbnail.php?id=68&width=640
Guess what

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/peitsi05/include/thumbnail.php?id=70&width=640
Pea soup?

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/peitsi05/include/thumbnail.php?id=72&width=640
Pre-heating the engine of a Pasi

[keimo lantio]

Whatta hell is that ****ter m05? Some ones private equipment? must be true silk $ss

[Andreas]

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=73&width=640

Yeah, go on shoot the radioman...p-)

Sorry for the joke.
Nice pics man.

Cheers
Andreas

[CSAR]

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/pyry2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=136&width=640
Field toilet m/05

LOL, this one is great! Some officer cadets or NCO's own little "KSE"-toilet? :D


Pea soup?

Looks more like that pasta-**** that we had to eat almost every second day. Good stuff otherwise, but it doesn't have taste at all. But after you put some ketchup or mustard in it it's great, especially when it's warm and it's something like minus 20 degrees.

[skinner the swede]

Nice pictures! My Finnish cousine makes his military service in Finland now. At Nylands brigad

Finland has a lot of modern equipments but why are you still using the T-55?

[CSAR]

Nice pictures! My Finnish cousine makes his military service in Finland now. At Nylands brigad

Finland has a lot of modern equipments but why are you still using the T-55?

Well, why not? We have them, and they have been modernized in the 80's. What I've heard is that fire control after the modernization is even better than in T-72's. They can still be used for example supporting infantry, 100mm cannon can knock out anything except mayby other MBTs. However I think FDF is currently looking for possible buyers for them, so I think they will be phased out of service rather soon.

[~~~~]

why don't you Finns use the Patria AMV?

[Taekwondo]

why don't you Finns use the Patria AMV?

We do use them. In different areas than those pictures are from though. It's easier to get around in a NaSu than in a wheeled APC in Lapland.

The AMVs will be used primarily by the Pori Brigade IIRC.

[Turre]

Well, why not? We have them, and they have been modernized in the 80's. What I've heard is that fire control after the modernization is even better than in T-72's. They can still be used for example supporting infantry, 100mm cannon can knock out anything except mayby other MBTs. However I think FDF is currently looking for possible buyers for them, so I think they will be phased out of service rather soon.

One senior lieutenant from Sodankylä`s jääkäriprikaati also told us that after modernization they have performed very well.Even comparable with Leopards.

I don`t know if that`s true,but i believe career officer`s words.

Turre

[Son_Of_Suvorov]

http://www.mil.fi/laitokset/talv/footwear2_en.dsp

http://www.mil.fi/laitokset/talv/image14.jpg

Hehehe, "rubber boot with detacheable insulation," you Finns and your advanced technology. :D

http://www.valenkisrus.com/Pics/ValenkiPlusEquals.jpg

Felt boots are still the best winter footwear available today at any price. I am a very big fan of wool in general - polyester and gore-tex alone don't cut it for me even for day-long snowboarding trips.

[Taekwondo]

Except that felt boots don't generally keep your feet dry when walking in a swamp, which is an often met type of terrain here in Finland.

I'd rather have the rubber boots, the felt insulation and enough socks, than just the felt and socks - kinda sucks when your felt and socks are wet in -20 centigrade and you still have a way to go, say 10-20 kms. The swamps don't often freeze completely all the way down.

And of course having a rubber shoe with the felt is good, but with swamp water almost to your knee it wouldn't do wonders.

[FDF_Hemppis]

MP, warm and cosy gloves but would sure not be able to handle his weapon in a hurry.
Those gloves are not nicknamed "nocandos'" for nothing, you know ;)

[joshfox0]

Gahhhhh some loevely but upsetting pictures for me. i need finland i need snow. but most of all i need finnish armour in the snow. It was two years ago when i saw a random "Nasu" up near kittila. I was surpised as heck and a little confused at the time. Still it's only a couple of months till i'm back over. **rocks in the corner**

[larryzou]

vary nice photos,thinks post.

[jassemon]

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/peitsi05/include/thumbnail.php?id=68&width=640
Guess what
Man, we would have been yelled at so hard by our trainers for trying to pass something like that for camouflaging. :) Still, a nice thread. Always brings back memories watching these winter exercise pictures.

[hunyadi]

Well, why not? We have them, and they have been modernized in the 80's. What I've heard is that fire control after the modernization is even better than in T-72's. They can still be used for example supporting infantry, 100mm cannon can knock out anything except mayby other MBTs. However I think FDF is currently looking for possible buyers for them, so I think they will be phased out of service rather soon.

COnsidering the wooded terrain and geogrpahy the photos are showing here I guess the observation and engagement ranges are quite short aren't they?

A hidden T55 in support at close range is going to be useful..

[Jippo]

COnsidering the wooded terrain and geogrpahy the photos are showing here I guess the observation and engagement ranges are quite short aren't they?

A hidden T55 in support at close range is going to be useful..

Very much so!

Even armoured battle happens at very close ranges, normally at couple of hundred meters distance.


-jippo

[Kekkonen]

COnsidering the wooded terrain and geogrpahy the photos are showing here I guess the observation and engagement ranges are quite short aren't they?

A hidden T55 in support at close range is going to be useful..

Here is a picture from an earlier exercise showing just how short the engagement distances can be in Finland, as infantry support I would think that they can definitively be effective;

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/saha2002/get2data.php3?id=46

And some more pictures from the ongoing exercises;

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/pyry2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=163&width=640
Telephone cable

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/pyry2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=162&width=640
Link station

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=154&width=640
The mortar crews have been participating in the exercise, but due to the shooting
ban they will not be used to fire live grenades during the shooting phase

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=146&width=640
Smoking break

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=150&width=640
The landscape is nice, but moving in it is physically demanding

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=151&width=640

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/peitsi05/include/thumbnail.php?id=84&width=640
Two soldiers from a border guard jaeger company

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/peitsi05/include/thumbnail.php?id=64&width=640

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/peitsi05/include/thumbnail.php?id=77&width=640
A reservist with the best face camo ever

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/peitsi05/include/thumbnail.php?id=76&width=640
Reservists in front of a first aid station

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/peitsi05/include/thumbnail.php?id=67&width=640
Two more reservists with old m/62 uniforms turned inside out for winter camo.

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/peitsi05/include/thumbnail.php?id=71&width=640
In an exercise of this scale huge amounts of fuel is used, at this fuel station
alone this night 3000 litres have been used up.

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/peitsi05/include/thumbnail.php?id=73&width=640
A Navy coastal jaeger from Kotka coastal area, which must be the worst equipped active unit in Finland
(note that he has a steel helmet), but hopefully they make up for with it a lots of
hooaaah.

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/peitsi05/include/thumbnail.php?id=58&width=640
An engineer (to the right) gets a sparepart from the man on the left. Out in the forest
the army of course have their own repairmen with them that can weld etc.

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/peitsi05/include/thumbnail.php?id=59&width=640
As usual during major exercises there is a radio channel put up where information
about the exercise is informed for the participants and local civilians, as well interviews
is done, music is played etc.

[V/E]

Great pix woot

[OldRecon]

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/pyry2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=163&width=640

The strongest man in the company?
Each one of those cable drums weight at least 20 kg.

[Holstein]

great pics.

[QRO?]

The strongest man in the company?
Each one of those cable drums weight at least 20 kg.Those look like the "new type" 60 ohm 500 m twisted pair plastic cable reels, which weight about 9,5 kg. The old type with 40 ohm cable and steel reels weights little over 10 kg. The reel rack with a cam used to lay and recover the cable also weights a kilo or so.

Anyway, one reel is about the same as an anti-tank mine and when you're part of the cable laying section, you don't just stand around with a heavy load of them, you must keep a pretty good pace too.

I've carried four of them for a few clicks with the same kind of load as he does and I'm a pretty small guy. And those jaegers and pioneers always tell us signal men how easy our job is :backhand:

[keimo lantio]

I just had to post my all time favourite ride, the Zilton. It has the best ride there is, it can climb to a tree, it can run even with pi$$ if needed and it's reliable, believe or not...fuel consumption 1mpg and oil consumption...1mpg.

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/kalustoesittely/media/1084796386_09.ZIL_131.jpg

[Kekkonen]

Spam to get the new pictures to a new page (so this page won't load forever for you poor guys with slow connections)

[Kekkonen]

Spam. Spam. Spam.

[Kekkonen]

Le lil update.

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/peitsi05/include/thumbnail.php?id=107&width=640
Reservist cable group on refreshing exercise. Hilarious picture if you
get this reference: Repmånad p-)

http://www.brafilm.se/movie_images/h_103723.jpg
Classic comedy about a reservist cable group on refreshing exercise :)

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/peitsi05/include/thumbnail.php?id=100&width=640
Old SISU Proto truck (1970s) on front

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/peitsi05/include/thumbnail.php?id=97&width=640
Applying a camo net to a Pasi

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/peitsi05/include/thumbnail.php?id=95&width=640
152 mm howitzer

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/peitsi05/include/thumbnail.php?id=94&width=640
Future conscript with a 7.62 RK 62 TP (folding stock)

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/peitsi05/include/thumbnail.php?id=93&width=640
Jaeger platoon in the bush

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/peitsi05/include/thumbnail.php?id=101&width=640
A cadet with a smoke grenade used to show helicopter pilots the direction
and force of the wind

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/peitsi05/include/thumbnail.php?id=91&width=640
MP with laser simulation equipment attached to him

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/pyry2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=186&width=640
Not only T-55s, something slightly more modern

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/pyry2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=184&width=640
Recon

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/pyry2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=183&width=640
Recon

[Musashi]

Really nice photos.
What kind of light machine gun (like PK or MG3) and squad assault weapon (5,56mm like U.S. M249) does Finnish Army use?

What does "Pasi" mean in Finnish?

[CSAR]

Really nice photos.
What kind of light machine gun (like PK or MG3) and squad assault weapon (5,56mm like U.S. M249) does Finnish Army use?

What does "Pasi" mean in Finnish?

There are two LMGs in use, finnish made 7.62 KK 62 (" 7.62mm machinegun model 62", also sometimes referred as KvKK where Kv means light) and PKM. It's planned to replace most of those old 62's with PKM, since it's more reliable and effective. 62 has two adwantages, rate of fire (around 1000 rd/min), and the fact that it uses same short 7.62x39 as the assault rifles whereas PKM uses long 7.62x54R.

They are both used like squad automatic weapons (one PKM or KK 62 per squad of seven men), we don't have anything lighter. MG3 is used in some tanks and possibly on NH90-helicopters.

Pasi is abbreviation from word "panssarisisu", meaning "armored Sisu" where Sisu is the manufacturer of the vehicle. Pasi is also a man's name (actually, my first name is Pasi :) )

[Kekkonen]

Last update since the exercise is ending. There was not many action shots from this years exercise by some reason, but well you can't get it all always.

Otso

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=197&width=640
Another one of the new dotty winter camo

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=198&width=640
And another, also showing the new modular vest

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=144&width=640
Compared to the old winter camo, the long "coat" version is from the
m/62 uniform system I believe

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=192&width=640
Simulating an accident where three soldiers have fallen into the ice cold water,
in cold the body is of course shocked

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=189&width=640
They have been put alongside a bonfire untill the medics arrive. Note the old school
VW ambulance in the background...

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=186&width=640
...compared to new school ambulances

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=185&width=640
Covered in blankets, in a real situation they would have been stripped from
their wet clothes first

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=163&width=640
Don't know the English name but you can all see what it is

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=164&width=640
A senior lieutenant giving orders to his unit, which appears to be some
kind of transport unit (note no rubber boots, but ordinary boots). The
trucks in the background is Finnish made by SISU

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=167&width=640
Nasu being loaded on a truck for transport

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=169&width=640
Another SISU truck "stuck in the mud" (or swamp/march).

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=168&width=640
This mortar company's unit have during ten days made 4000 meals(?)

Pyry

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/pyry2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=199&width=640
Soldier armed with his assault rifle and a 40 mm HK79 grenade launcher

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/pyry2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=196&width=640
Radio man

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/pyry2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=200&width=640
122 mm field howitzer

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/pyry2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=193&width=640
Note active hearing protection, appears to be Peltor Comtac's (which are
really good)

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/pyry2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=191&width=640
Another one (on/off and volume buttons on this side on the Comtac's)

Peitsi

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/peitsi05/include/thumbnail.php?id=116&width=640

[Slinky]

very nice pics, go finnland!

[kosse]

Damn, I get pissed off every time when I see pictures with conscripts/reservists with those M/62 jackets worn granny style. :bash:

[Taekwondo]

Damn, I get pissed off every time when I see pictures with conscripts/reservists with those M/62 jackets worn granny style. :bash:


Why? I think grannies and granpas and us younger ones too should be kept warm during the winter...

[Turre]

Do you mean that long coat?

We just called it "sissitakki"
I used it only once during my service,at the guard post of "ketunlenkki".

Turre

[Sergei]

I just had to post my all time favourite ride, the Zilton. It has the best ride there is, it can climb to a tree, it can run even with pi$$ if needed and it's reliable, believe or not...fuel consumption 1mpg and oil consumption...1mpg.

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/kalustoesittely/media/1084796386_09.ZIL_131.jpg

Nice camo theme.

Anyways, Finland serves as a paragon to successfully integrate Western and Soviet military equipment into one capable bunch.

[Digital Marine]

GREAT pics, i love seeing pics from snow excersizes

[Dalleer]

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=197&width=640


http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=198&width=640

So the new M/05 snow camouflage has finally arrived. It looks excellent in those snowy woods. This is certainly a pattern that I would rate as highly successful.

[Kekkonen]

So the new M/05 snow camouflage has finally arrived. It looks excellent in those snowy woods. This is certainly a pattern that I would rate as highly successful.

It's still under testing, there was an article somewhere on the exercise pages but I couldn't locate it right now, during these exercises winter equipment systems and in particular the new personal winter equipment was tested how well it works in cold and in the field.

Now when the thread jumped to a new page I can just as well post some more photos;

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/pyry2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=206&width=640
Feeding a four digit number of soldiers a couple of times a day in the field requires an effective
logistics organization with tons of food each day

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/pyry2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=209&width=640
Looks like it's not supposed to be inside

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/pyry2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=214&width=640
"Mönkijä"

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/pyry2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=219&width=640
Soldiers from the Navy's Nyland's (Uudenmaan) brigade gets introduced to the Leopard 2A4

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/pyry2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=218&width=640
... and gets run over by it :)

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/pyry2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=217&width=640
Closeup of a Finnish Leopard 2A4 in the Finnish winter landscape, note that they have
the "Russian"-type of helmets/headwear. Would have looked good with a NSV on the turret
roof as well instead of the MG3 in my opinion.[/i]

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/pyry2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=188&width=640
First aid station

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=210&width=640
A general and a colonel following the exercises

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=209&width=640
An AA unit practising close defence shooting...

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=212&width=640
...same as above with training (thus yellow) traning anti-tank mines

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=224&width=640
Such a lovely picture

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=223&width=640
Parts of a jaeger company

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=226&width=640
A safety officer (note the red on his shoulders = artillery)

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=228&width=640
A Major General with a field gun crew

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=229&width=640
122 mm field howitzer in firing position

[joka]

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=101&width=640

One more picture of M/05 that wasn't posted.

Great thread, thanks Kekkis.

[Dalleer]

Yes , certainly it's still being tested , but this must be the second time when I actually see the M/05 - snowsuits being used in exercises.

Any info on which units specifically got the suits for testing ?

And great pics too - once and again !

[tkks]

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=101&width=640

One more picture of M/05 that wasn't posted.

Great thread, thanks Kekkis.
Is that rk62 with rk95 folding stock?

[Kekkonen]

Is that rk62 with rk95 folding stock?

High resolution photo: http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=101
High resolution photo: http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=100
High resolution photo: http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=115

If comparing the gas block and muzzle break in particular between the RK 62 and 95 it becomes obvious that this particular one is an upgraded RK 62. Also note that the top cover doesn't have the reinforcing screw/lock the RK 95 has and also has the top cover sight of the RK 62. Compare:

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/kalustoesittely/media/1083662005_01.7.62_RK_62.jpg
RK 62

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/kalustoesittely/media/1083661026_02.7.62_RK_95.jpg

[tkks]

Yes. It is RK 62. Looks like they have also replaced the safety switch (or whaterv it is called). I've heard that some RK 95s are so worn out that they have been scrapped, but that's just a rumour. Or they might just have bought new parts to upgrade some guns.

[Kekkonen]

Yes. It is RK 62. Looks like they have also replaced the safety switch (or whaterv it is called). I've heard that some RK 95s are so worn out that they have been scrapped, but that's just a rumour. Or they might just have bought new parts to upgrade some guns.

Hopefully it's the latter alternative. The side-folding stock is nice to have but the most important upgrade would be in the side-mounted picatinny rail. However;

http://xs59.xs.to/pics/05500/rk95.jpg
Side-mounted picatinny rail on RK 95

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=101
Compare with this Aimpoint mount, that doesn't seem to be the same

[Kekkonen]

Spam to get the pictures to a new page (to spare people with slow connection).

[Kekkonen]

Spam spameli spam.

[Kekkonen]

Another update.

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=243&width=640
95 mm Musti RCL. For more information about Musti, see this thread;
http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?t=65255

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=274&width=640

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=276&width=640

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=241&width=640
Telling a little about a 81 mm mortar to a bunch of civilians

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=244&width=640
A sissi

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=248&width=640

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=255&width=640
Sissi tent, light enough to be able to be carried around with you

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=261&width=640
One of the crew of a 122 mm field howitzer

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=264&width=640
Random artillery man

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=309&width=640
NSV during a jaeger company's attack...

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=308&width=640

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=300&width=640

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=298&width=640

http://tietokannat.mil.fi/otso2005/include/thumbnail.php?id=295&width=640

[Carbine]

I'm so glad I don't have to be there :D I always hated winter excersises during my time in the service...

[Greek soldier]

Nice camo theme.

Anyways, Finland serves as a paragon to successfully integrate Western and Soviet military equipment into one capable bunch.

And we are the only NATO country that buys from both East and West.

Examples:
OSA-AKM surface-to-air missiles
S-300 PMU
Tor-M1
Fagot and Kornet-E
Zubr


But Finland's T-55 and Leopards are indeed something unique to see in the field.

BTW, are you going to retire the Mi-17 when you will take the NH-90 or not?

[Kekkonen]

BTW, are you going to retire the Mi-17 when you will take the NH-90 or not?

Mi-8s, they have been used since 1973 by Ilmavoimat (Air Force) but were transferred to army aviation 1997 and have served very well it's said, but they are ageing and at the end of their service, they will be replaced by the NH-90s yes. Thread I created about a Finnish Mi-8 on SAR training over the Gulf of Finland http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?t=62940&highlight=mi-8

By the way, the reason to why the helicopter operations were transferred to the Maavoimat (Army) 1997 was because the army will set up an airmobile unit (batallion I think it was) with the NH-90s, and when the army themselves operates the helicopters it's easier.

[QRO?]

By the way, the reason to why the helicopter operations were transferred to the Maavoimat (Army) 1997 was because the army will set up an airmobile unit (batallion I think it was) with the NH-90s, and when the army themselves operates the helicopters it's easier.IIRC when mobilized, the NH-90's will be operationally subordinated as separate squadrons to each of the three FRF brigades, forming an airmobile company in each brigade.

However, the peacetime training formation will be the Helicopter Battalion under Utti Jaeger Regiment according to current plans.
http://www.mil.fi/maavoimat/joukot/utjr/hekologo.gif