Defence cooperation between the five Nordic countries (NORDEFCO) has deepened considerably in recent years, especially due to Finland’s and Sweden’s NATO membership. Close and comprehensive interaction with the Nordic countries is very important for Finland. The main themes of defence cooperation within NORDEFCO include operative planning, defence policy dialogue, development of capabilities, security of supply, strengthening the defence industry and military mobility. The key target of Nordic defence cooperation is that the defence forces of the five countries, as a group of their own and together with other allies, are capable of undertaking joint operations in all circumstances. Nordic cooperation supports and complements NATO, and the capability of the countries to act together strengthens the whole alliance.
The Nordic countries are closely bound together by the shared history and values, common operating environment and similar societal structures. NORDEFCO was established in 2009, when the earlier defence cooperation forums and practical collaborative actions were brought together by a decision of the defence ministers. Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the change in the security situation in Europe that followed have had significant impacts on Nordic defence cooperation. The decision of Finland and Sweden to join NATO and Denmark's decision to participate in the EU's defence cooperation created the preconditions for significantly deepening Nordic cooperation.
The chairmanship of NORDEFCO rotates annually among Finland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Finland will chair NORDEFCO in 2025. The chair is responsible for leading and developing the cooperation in line with the goals outlined in NORDEFCO’s long-term vision. During Finland’s chairmanship the main focus will be on the implementation of the political steering document for the Nordic defence cooperation, the Vision 2030 for NORDEFCO.
