Finnish Defence Forces Appoint New Army Commander and Key Leadership Roles
President Alexander Stubb has confirmed the appointment of Lieutenant General Kari Nisula as the new Commander of the Army, effective 1 January 2027. The decision follows the Government’s proposal, which was formally approved by the President earlier today (Ilta-Sanomat).
Nisula, who currently serves as the Chief of Operations of the Defence Forces, will succeed Lieutenant General Pasi Välimäki, whose term concludes at the end of this year. Välimäki has held the position since 1 January 2022 (Ilta-Sanomat). Prior to his current role, Nisula has served as Chief of Preparedness at the Defence Command, Commander of the Armoured Brigade, and Director of the Department of Military Science at the National Defence University (Ilta-Sanomat).
In addition to Nisula’s appointment, the President has confirmed three other senior leadership changes within the Defence Forces, all taking effect on 1 January 2027 (Ilta-Sanomat):
- Major General Jarmo Vähätiitto has been appointed Chief of Operations of the Defence Forces. Vähätiitto has served as Chief of Command Systems at the Defence Command since 2021 and previously held roles including Deputy Section Chief at the Defence Command and Chief of Staff of the Karelian Brigade.
- Rear Admiral Janne Huusko will assume the role of Director of the Defence Forces Logistics Establishment. Huusko has been Chief of Staff of the Navy since 2024 and has previously served as Chief of Preparedness at the Defence Command and Commander of the Coastal Brigade.
- Brigadier General Jarkko Karsikas has been named Chief of Command Systems of the Defence Command. Karsikas has been Chief of Staff at NATO’s Command and Control Systems Management Office since 2024 and has held positions including Deputy Section Chief and Project Manager at the Defence Command.
The appointments reflect a broader restructuring of leadership within the Defence Forces as part of ongoing preparedness and operational planning. The Government’s proposal for Nisula’s appointment was first reported earlier this week, with confirmation by the President marking the final step in the process (Yle, MTV Uutiset).
