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
Finland to deliver more defence materiel to Ukraine
Finland will deliver more defence materiel to Ukraine. The President of the Republic decided on the matter, on the proposal of the Government, on 28 June 2024.
Finland and Norway sign a Memorandum of Understanding
Norway’s Minister of Defence Bjørn Arild Gram and Finland’s Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen signed a Memorandum of Understanding on defence cooperation between the two countries in Bodø, Norway, on 20 June 2024.
NATO defence ministers support objectives of Finland's NATO integration
At their meeting of 14 June 2024, NATO defence ministers gave their political backing to establishing Multi Corps Land Component Command (MCLCC) and the presence of Forward Land Forces (FLF) in Finland.
Minister of Defence Häkkänen to attend Nordic tripartite meeting in Norway
Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen will attend a tripartite meeting with the defence ministers of Norway and Sweden in Norway's Bodø on 20 June 2024.
Exports of defence materiel grew in 2023
The Ministry of Defence has published a report on the exports of defence materiel in 2023. The report provides statistical data on both the granted export licences and actual exports. In 2023, the Ministry of Defence granted 355 licences to 56 countries for permanent exports and transfers of defence materiel.
Minister of Defence Häkkänen to attend NATO defence minister meeting
Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen will attend a meeting of NATO ministers of defence at NATO's Headquarters in Brussels on 13 to 14 June 2024. The strengthening of NATO's deterrence and defence and support for Ukraine are on the agenda.
Russian aircraft suspected of violating Finland’s airspace in the Gulf of Finland
A Russian military aircraft is suspected to have violated Finnish air space off the coast of the Gulf of Finland, near the city of Loviisa in the morning today.
JEF countries increase surveillance and presence in Northern European marine areas
The Joint Expeditionary force (JEF), led by the United Kingdom, will increase its presence in Northern European marine areas in June. All ten members of the JEF will participate.
Defence Forces to purchase long-range air-to-surface missiles
Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen has approved the additional purchase of JASSM missiles that will enhance the long-range air to surface capability. Missiles will be delivered in line with the schedule for the deployment of future F-35 multi-role fighters.
Defence Forces to procure 120 mm shell-tailed compositions for grenade launchers
Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen has authorised the Defence Forces' Logistics Command to procure 120 mm shell-tailed compositions for grenade launchers from Componenta Corporation.
Finnish industrial and research actors well represented in European Defence Fund projects
The results of the call for applications by the European Defence Fund (EDF) for 2023 have been published. The EDF finances the research and development projects of defence sector actors in the EU Member States by approximately EUR one billion annually. Finnish companies and research institutes are about to participate in 19 funded projects.
Minister of Defence Häkkänen to visit Brussels
Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen will attend the EU's Foreign Affairs Council meeting for defence ministers in Brussels on 28 May 2024.
Finland and United States signed Statement of Intent on Cooperation among Special Forces
In Washington on 21 May 2024, Finland and the United States signed a Statement of Intent.
Northern Group's ministerial meeting
The ministerial meeting of the Northern Group will be held in Palanga, Lithuania on 22 to 23 May 2024.
Market Court rejected Heckler & Koch's appeal concerning acquisition of assault rifles
On 17 May 2024, the Market Court rejected Heckler & Koch's appeal concerning the Defence Forces' acquisition of assault rifles from Sako Oy.
Finnish soldiers conclude EU training mission in Mali
Finland’s military participation in the European Union Training Mission in Mali (EUTM) has ended and the remaining four Finnish soldiers serving in the training mission have returned home. Since 2013, EUTM Mali has provided mentoring and training to the Malian armed forces to support restoration of a safe operating environment.
Minister of Defence Häkkänen to visit the United States
Finland's Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen will visit the United States in 20-23 May 2024.