Exports of defence materiel grew 241 per cent in 2025
The Ministry of Defence has published a report on Finland’s exports of defence materiel in 2025. The report provides statistical data on both the granted export licences and actual exports.
In 2025, the Ministry of Defence granted 479 licences for permanent exports and transfers of defence materiel. The combined value of these licences was EUR 930 million (EUR 1.4 billion in 2024), which is the second highest amount ever. Examined by region, most licences were granted for exports to European countries. A total of 395 licences were granted to countries in Europe, corresponding to 90 per cent of the total value of the licences granted. The actual exports normally take place within a few years after the export licence is granted.
Examined by country, licenses of the highest values were granted to Denmark (EUR 195 million), Sweden (EUR 172 million) and Spain (EUR 121 million). Licences for land vehicles make up 99 per cent of the total value of licences granted to Denmark. Sweden’s share is made up of firearms and land vehicles. Spain's share consists of software and other technology related to software radio systems.
The annual report on the exports of defence materiel only covers commercial exports. It therefore does not contain information on defence materiel assistance that Finland has provided to Ukraine as part of international assistance. Finland granted 23 licences for commercial exports to Ukraine, with a combined value of approximately EUR 57 million.
The total value of completed exports in 2025 reached around EUR 702 million, which is the highest number ever and represents an increase of 241 per cent from 2024. The top three destination countries in 2025 were Sweden (EUR 182 million), Japan (EUR 107 million) and Latvia (EUR 81 million). Exports to Sweden mainly consisted of land vehicles and small arms designed for military use. Exports to Japan and Latvia mainly consisted of land vehicles. Examined by region, 73 per cent of exports were to Europe (95 per cent in 2024) and 16 per cent to Northeast Asia.
All licence applications are subject to a case-by-case overall consideration based on national legislation and international commitments binding on Finland. Key frameworks include the Council of the European Union’s common position on defining common rules for the control of exports of military technology and equipment (2008/944/CFSP) and the Arms Trade Treaty. Licence applications are reviewed by a cross-administrative working group on exports, where the Ministry for Foreign Affairs is responsible for the foreign and security policy assessment.
The full 2025 annual report on defence materiel exports is available on the Ministry of Defence website.
Inquiries: Frans Peltonen, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 021.