to protect krepost sveaborg and the naval base in particular from a german attack from land the fortifications were built to protect the fortress. the first fortifications were hastily built in 1914 to block access to the helsinki peninsula and to guard the eastern flank of laajasalo and santahamina by a scarce line of fortifications at ruskeasuo-pasila-käpylä-koskela-viikki-herttoniemi-roihuvuori. lauttasaari, meilahti and laajasalo were also fortified to some extent. it was also planned to fortify kulosaari and vartiosaari. these first fortifications were field fortifications located from the city center, with the defence concentrated at fortified hilltop redoubts.