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
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.
Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen decided on Finland’s participation in international training and exercises in 2025
The plan for 2025 includes 115 events in Finland and abroad, with the cost of participation at about EUR 10.75 million.
Amendments proposed to Conscription Act to ensure border security
The Ministry of Defence requests comments on amendments to the Conscription Act concerning continued support to the maintenance of border security.
Finnish Defence Forces' research programme 2025 to begin
Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen has authorised the Defence Forces Logistics Command to conclude contracts regarding the Defence Forces' research programme 2025 (PVTO2025).
Crisis Management NOW expo to discuss conflicts and peacebuilding in changed security situation
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland together with its partners will organise a Crisis Management NOW expo focusing on crisis management and peacebuilding. The event will take place in the Wanha Satama conference centre in Katajanokka, Helsinki, on Wednesday 22 May. It will be open to all and free of charge.
Defence Forces to join US National Guard Partnership Program
On 2 May 2024, Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen and Governor of Virginia Glenn Youngkin signed a Letter of Intent in Helsinki on Finland's accession to the United States National Guard Partnership Program (State Partnership Program, SPP).
Germany Signs CAVS Research and Development Agreement
Germany has signed the Research and Development Agreement of the multinational Common Armoured Vehicles System (CAVS) programme. The agreement is currently between Finland, Sweden and Latvia, with Patria Land Oy as the supplier. Germany joined the CAVS programme led by Finland in 2023.
Nordic defence ministers sign NORDEFCO's new Vision
Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen attended the ministerial meeting for Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO) in Tòrshavn, the Faroe Islands on 29-30 April 2024.
Finland supports progress of CAVS programme by selling XA-300 armoured pre-series vehicles
Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen has decided to sell three XA-300 pre-series armoured vehicles to Patria Oyj, their manufacturer.
The Defence Forces to procure 6x6 heavy armoured personnel carriers
Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen has authorised the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command to launch the serial procurement of 6x6 heavy armoured personnel carriers (HAPC) from Patria Land Oy.
Ministry of Defence decided on framework agreement for ballistic plates
Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen has authorised the Defence Forces to conclude a framework agreement on ballistic plates and their development with C.P.E. Production Oy.
Nordic defence ministers to meet in the Faroe Islands
On 29 to 30 April 2023, Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen will attend a ministerial meeting for Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO) in Tòrshavn, the Faroe Islands.
Finland to contribute EUR 30 million to Czech ammunition initiative
An additional EUR 30 million of funding will be allocated to the administrative branch of the Ministry of Defence in the Government’s first supplementary budget for 2024.