Combat has changed since Finland's bloody Winter War with Russia, but this classic tactic endures
Business Insider
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Combat tactics in Finland's Arctic regions have evolved little since its brutal Winter War with Russia nearly a century ago. The harsh terrain of dense forests and deep snow continues to shape military strategy, emphasizing the importance of controlling narrow roadways and supply routes to disrupt enemy movements—a tactic known as "canalization." This approach forces large formations into vulnerable bottlenecks, making them easier to isolate and destroy. Despite modern advancements in weapons technology, the physical limitations of the Arctic landscape remain unchanged, keeping these historical lessons highly relevant for contemporary warfare.
During the 1939-1940 Winter War, Finland's smaller, lightly equipped forces successfully inflicted heavy losses on the numerically superior Soviet army by forcing enemy troops into difficult terrain and employing the "motti" tactic. This involved splitting Soviet columns into isolated groups and targeting their supply lines with snipers, ski troops, and ambushes. A key battle along the Raate Road in Suomussalmi demonstrated how Finnish forces could exploit narrow supply routes to inflict significant damage on Soviet forces.
Today, the Finnish Jaeger Brigade specializes in Arctic combat, training soldiers to navigate the frozen terrain using skis and snowmobiles while relying heavily on road networks for vehicle movement. Modern armored vehicles, despite their advanced capabilities, still face similar limitations as their predecessors, struggling to maneuver off-road in deep snow. This dependency on narrow corridors makes controlling these routes a critical strategic advantage, especially against an invading force.
For businesses and investors interested in Arctic logistics and defense, understanding the enduring relevance of terrain-driven tactics offers valuable insights into supply chain vulnerabilities. The ability to disrupt or protect key transportation routes remains a cornerstone of both military strategy and logistical planning in remote, challenging environments. Finland's approach highlights how historical lessons can inform modern strategies for managing resources
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/14/2026