The T-26 light infantry tank, the Vickers (or ‘Viku’ in Finland), was in service after the war, until 1962. These tanks were captured from the Soviet army. Photo: Armour Museum photo archive

The view from the driver’s seat of the T-26. Photo: Armour Museum photo archive

T-34-85 main battle tanks, also obtained as prizes of war, were used in training until 1962. These tanks were the top Soviet equipment of World War II. Photo: Armour Museum photo archive

In 1942, the Armour Division bought six Landsverk Anti II air defence combat vehicles from Sweden. They were in use until 1966. Photo: Armour Museum photo archive

Mechanics working on the Pz IV medium tank, the ‘Armour 4’. The Pz IV, bought from Germany, was removed from service in 1962. Photo: Armour Museum photo archive

An Armour 4 (Pz IV) in Rovajärvi in 1957. Photo: Armour Museum photo archive

An Stu-40 assault gun in Parolannummi in summer 1955. Photo: from Suomalaiset panssarivaunut 1918-1997 (‘Finnish Armoured Vehicles, 1918–1997’)

A StuG III in a parade in Helsinki, on 4 June 1958. Photo: from Suomalaiset panssarivaunut 1918-1997

British Charioteer Mk VII Model B tank destroyers were the first combat vehicles to be bought after the war. Three were delivered in 1958 and 35 in 1960. The AT gun of the vehicle was outstanding. They were removed from service in 1979. Note the ‘relaxed’ posture of the crew! Photo: Armour Museum photo archive

Forty British Comet Mk I Model B cruiser tanks were bought in 1961. Their structure was almost identical to that of the Charioteers. They were purchased solely as training vehicles. The tanks were already outdated at the time of purchase. They were removed from service in 1970. This picture was taken in summer 1962. Photo: from Suomalaiset panssarivaunut 1918-1997

The 45-year anniversary parade of the Defence Forces on 4 June 1963 at the Senate Square in Helsinki. A Comet 252-2 with its commander, Captain Allan Vainio, and its driver, recruit Corporal Matti Mantila. Photo: Armour Museum photo archive / Matti Mantila

In the years 1959–1961, the first equipment to be bought from the Soviet Union included T-54 main battle tanks, or ‘Nikitas’. A Nikita at the Parolannummi airport in summer 1965. Photo: Armour Museum photo archive

A parade muster at the flag square in the 1960s, with Stu-40 assault guns (Sturmgeschütz 40, Ausf G). All told, 59 assault guns were bought from Germany in 1943–1944. The vehicles were in active use until 1966. The tank at the far left is a Charioteer.

The infantry of the Armour Battalion gained its ‘armour’ in 1963, when BTR-50 PK armoured personnel carriers were bought from the Soviet Union. Photo: Armour School photo archive

At the same time, PT-76 reconnaissance tanks were acquired. Photo: Armour School photo archive

The emblem of the Armour Battalion (Panssaripataljoona), the Tank Battalion (Panssarivaunupataljoona), and the Armour Regiment (Panssarirykmentti)

In the mid-1960s, T-55 main battle tanks were purchased from the Soviet Union. In the picture, a T 55 has been equipped with snorkel equipment in Lehijärvi in 1973. Photo: Armour School photo archive

The ZSU-57-2 anti-aircraft artillery arrived in 1960. Training began at the Tampere Air Defence Battalion in Vatiala, Kangasala. In 1966, the vehicles were relocated to Parolannummi. Photo: Armour School photo archive

The Häme Jaeger Battalion began its transition to form the Armour Jaeger Battalion in 1971, when one of its companies acquired Soviet-made BTR-60 PB armoured personnel carriers. Photo: Armour School photo achive

The BTR-60 PB armoured personnel carrier. Photo: Armour School photo archive

The emblem of the Häme Jaeger Battalion

The MTU-20 armoured vehicle-launched bridge arrived in 1971. Photo: from Suomalaiset panssarivaunut 1918-1997

An MTU-20 crossing the bridge it has just placed before it. Photo: from Suomalaiset panssarivaunut 1918-1997

The Armoured Infantry’s BTR-60 PU armoured command vehicle. Photo: Armoured Signal Company photo archive

The GAZ-69 radio jeep, also called the Kosyreva. Photo: Armoured Signal Company photo archive

Armoured vehicle maintenance troops are always prepared! An MTO-60 maintenance vehicle on a ZIL-157 truck chassis. Photo: Armoured Brigade Headquarters photo archive

An MTO-60 maintenance vehicle on a ZIL-157 truck chassis. Photo: Armoured Brigade Headquarters photo archive

The first MAZ chassis shipment in 1972 at its destination in Juuka after a drive of over 500 km. On the chassis is a T-54 main battle tank. Photo: Armoured Brigade Headquarters photo archive