Official press releases, news and speeches that the minister has held are located in this section. The Ministry of Defence publishes all of its press releases and news in Finnish and Swedish and many of them in English, too.
Press Releases
Government Defence Report outlines development of Finland’s defence as part of NATO
At its session on 19 December 2024, the Finnish Government approved the Government Defence Report based on Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen’s presentation. The report will now be submitted to Parliament. This is the third ever Government Defence Report and the first published since Finland joined NATO. The guidelines set out in the report extend into the 2030s.
Summary of comments published on report discussing ban on real estate transactions – contributors agree with objectives
A working group appointed by Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen proposed in its report that no permit to buy real estate should be granted to persons whose country of nationality has been found by the European Union to be in violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of another country and whose country of nationality may be a threat to Finland’s national security. Further provisions on such countries would be issued by government decree.
National security requirements of legislation on real estate expropriation under review
On 10 December 2024, the Finnish Ministry of Defence set up a project to examine the need to amend the Act on the Expropriation of Immovable Property and Special Rights to Ensure National Security.
The project will consider the need to counter various threats and review situations where expropriation is the most efficient and appropriate means for the central government to improve national security and ensure the appropriate use of sites.
Finnish Defence Forces to procure system support services from Finland
Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen has authorised the Finnish Defence Forces to procure support ser-vices for military aviation, maritime defence, intelligence, surveillance and command and control from the Finnish companies Patria Aviation Oy and Insta Group Oy. The main part of deliveries will take place in 2025–2028.
Finland to strenghten its contribution to NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine
Finland will strengthen its contribution to the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU). The President of the Republic decided on 5 December that Finland will participate in NSATU with a maximum of six soldiers.
Finland to deliver more defence materiel to Ukraine
Finland will deliver its 26th materiel assistance package to Ukraine. The President of the Republic decided on the matter on 5 December 2024 on the proposal of the Government.
Cyber Security Strategy implementation plan published – cybersecurity integrated into comprehensive security
In line with the Programme of Prime Minister Orpo's Government, Finland's Cyber Security Strategy has been revised to respond to the changed security environment. The objectives of the revised strategy extend to 2035. A strategy implementation plan has been drawn to describe the development measures to achieve the objectives. The plan was approved on 3 December 2024 by the steering group of the project developing an operating model for government security management.
Administration of industrial participation transfers to Ministry of Defence
The tasks of the secretariat of the Finnish Committee on Industrial Participation, including the processing of claims, the organisation of meetings and the monitoring of outcomes, were transferred to the Ministry of Defence on 1 December.
New Scientific Advisory Board for Defence appointed
In its session on 28 November 2024, the Government appointed a new Scientific Advisory Board for Defence (MATINE) for a three-year term. The Advisory Board is chaired by Professor Jarkko Koskinen from the National Land Survey of Finland. The vice chairman is Professor Hannele Seeck from LUT University.
Export control legislation to be amended
The Ministry of Defence has set up a project to amend the Act on the Export of Defence Materiel. The Act lays down provisions on the supervision and the control procedure of the export, transfer, brokerage and transit of defence materiel.
Minister of Defence Häkkänen to attend ministerial meeting of Nordic Defence Cooperation
Finland’s Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen will attend a defence ministers’ meeting of the Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO) on Thursday 21 November 2024. Minister Häkkänen will also attend the defence ministers’ meetings of the Northern Group and the Nordic-Baltic cooperation (NB8) on Wednesday 20 November 2024. The meetings will take place in Copenhagen.
Ministry of Defence opens new e-service for permits to buy real estate by parties outside EU and EEA
On Tuesday 19 November 2024, Finland’s Ministry of Defence opened a new electronic service, the Property surveillance e-service, where private individuals and companies outside the EU and the EEA can apply for permits to buy real estate in Finland.
Minister of Defence Häkkänen to attend meeting of EU defence ministers
Finland’s Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen will attend a meeting of the European Union’s Foreign Affairs Council in its defence configuration in Brussels on 19 November 2024.
Significant EU funding for defence materiel procurement
The Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) project, which is led by Finland, has received EUR 60 million in funding from the European Defence Industry Reinforcement through Common Procurement (EDIRPA) instrument.
Finnish Defence Forces to procure more Finnish naval mines
Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen has authorised the Finnish Defence Forces to procure naval mines, support and testing equipment and their spare parts. The Finnish company Forcit Oy will supply the mines.