Defence Forces closing third of munitions depots because of poor condition
Controversial storage facilities guarded with cameras and motion detectors
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The Defence Forces plan to close down one out of every three storage depots for explosives and munitions.
New subterranean storage facilities will replace the ones that are to be decommissioned, which are of fairly light construction, and considered unsafe.
A number of measures are being taken to modernise munition storage facilities, many of which are seriously outdated, and even dangerous.
Embankments are to be built around remaining aboveground storage buildings to add to their security. Security cameras and motion detectors are also being installed as a precaution against intruders.
The defence forces have hundreds of depots scattered around Finland.
Brigadier General Jarmo Lindberg says that the current renewal project is probably the most extensive of its kind ever undertaken by the Defence Forces.
The depots contain munitions and explosives ranging from low-calibre bullets to mines and missiles. Most of the buildings are cold, above ground, and built of wood.
Two years ago the Vekarajärvi garrison said that it could no longer vouch for the security of the dilapidated storage buildings. Currently, explosives used by one of the largest garrisons in Finland are carried overland from elsewhere, because of the poor condition of the storage facilities.
The Santahamina garrison in Helsinki has also been ordered to close down several munitions storage sheds.
The downsizing of weapons storage is made easier by the decline in the size of the military reserve, reducing the amount of munitions that are needed.
The flimsy storage buildings are to be replaced in stages with new subterranean facilities. Next year a total of 20 of the new bunkers will be built.
Concrete and sheet metal storage sheds located above ground will continue to be used. However, earthen barriers of up to ten metres are to be erected around them to keep possible accidents from setting off secondary explosions in neighbouring sheds.
The Defence Forces are currently establishing a network of technical security surveillance. The number of security cameras has increase fivefold in the recent years.
Information from the security cameras and motion detectors is to be collected at monitoring sites in different parts of the country that are constantly manned.
The increased reliance on electronic surveillance also compensates for the declining number of personnel.
Helsingin Sanomat
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| 17.1.2008 - TODAY |
 Defence Forces closing third of munitions depots because of poor condition |
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