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Call-up system to be extended to whole age group – three municipalities to pilot information days in autumn

2026-04-13T12:18:00Z

The call-up information day, open to all 17-year-olds, will take place at the general upper secondary schools and vocational institutions of the municipalities involved in the pilot project. During the day, young people will learn about homeland defence, conscription and comprehensive security. They will also receive advice on how to improve their wellbeing. The information day aims to increase the number of those who complete military service and strengthen young people’s will to defend their country. It will help young men to better understand their obligations once they become liable for call-up and raise young women’s awareness of voluntary military service for women and advise them on how to apply for it. In addition, a broader societal objective is to promote the wellbeing and functional capacity of young people and to prevent social exclusion.

“The call-up information day will ensure that the whole age group is included in the call-up process and receives necessary information before the call-up events and the selection events for voluntary military service for women. In this way young people will have a better understanding of the homeland defence obligation, total defence and comprehensive security,” says Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen.

The pilot project for call-up information days is the first step in the process of introducing the two-part call-up process across the country. The project will test how well the information days work in different regions and educational institutions. The new process is scheduled to be scaled up to the regional and national level in 2027–2028.

The call-up information days are part of a call-up system reform outlined in a parliamentary committee report (2021), the Programme of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s Government (2023) and a final report of a working group for the development of call-ups (2024). The call-up system reform aims to address the issues of shrinking age cohorts and the lowering levels of functional capacity among young people. The call-up day proper will be organised at a later date.

The pilot project is a collaboration of the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Education and Culture, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, the Finnish Defence Forces and the National Defence Training Association of Finland as well as the municipalities and education providers involved in the project.

Inquiries

Thomas Gentz, Senior Staff Officer, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 055
Kati Lounema, Director, Ministry of Education and Culture, tel. +358 295 330 037

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Finland Procures More 155 mm K9 Self-Propelled Howitzers from the Republic of Korea

2026-04-09T11:31:00Z

The procurement includes 112 pieces of surplus K9 self-propelled howitzers as well as related spare parts and special tools and test equipment. The total value of the procurement is approximately 546,8 million euros.

“This procurement enhances the capability of the Finnish artillery cost-effectively. The acquisition is a part of the decade-long modernization of the Finnish Army as stated in the Government Defence Report. At the same time, this is a strong expression of the close co-operation of the respective defence administrations of Finland and the Republic of Korea”, states the Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen.

The procurement will further enhance the Army’s firepower and its ability to support operational forces with long-range artillery systems that have good off-road and road mobility. The acquisition will partially replace aging towed artillery equipment.

Finland first acquired K9 self-propelled howitzers in 2017 through a government-to-government deal with the Republic of Korea’s agency KOTRA. In total, 96 K9 self-propelled howitzers have previously been procured.

The self-propelled howitzers will undergo national modifications in Finland before entering service. The K9 system’s maintenance and sustainment capability has already been established domestically in Finland with earlier acquisitions.

The procurement is included in the Ministry of Defence’s planned budget framework.

For further information, please contact Senior Specialist Frans Peltonen at the Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 021, and at the Army Headquarters, Inspector of Artillery, Colonel Petri Majuri, tel. +358 299 800 (switchboard).

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Suspected territorial violation by unmanned aerial vehicles in Southeast Finland on Sunday

2026-03-29T10:51:00Z

“Drones have strayed into the Finnish territory. We are taking the matter very seriously. The security authorities have responded immediately. The investigation into the incidents will continue and more detailed information will be provided once the information is confirmed,” says Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen.

The Finnish Defence Forces are investigating the incident in cooperation with other authorities. Further information on the matter will be provided by the Defence Forces together with the other authorities.

Inquiries: ilmavoimat@mil.fi

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Six negative decisions on real estate transactions

2026-03-27T10:00:00Z

The negative decisions concerned properties in Imatra, Savonlinna, Kittilä, Raseborg, Parikkala and Sysmä.

The applicants had different kinds of plans for the real estate, such as business, residential and recreational use. They are citizens or companies owned by citizens of Russia, Uzbekistan, China and Canada.

Because of the changes in the security environment, Finnish authorities must take sufficient measures to prevent different kinds of broad-spectrum threats. Buying real estate in Finland can be used to gain a foothold in the country or to undermine public authorities’ ability to act.

“That is why we will not allow real estate acquisitions when we cannot rule out a threat to national security, homeland defence, border security and security of supply,” said Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen.

The decisions to deny the applicants a permit were based on the Act on Permit Requirements for Certain Real Estate Acquisitions (470/2019).

The decisions are not yet final.

Any requests by media for access to documents should be sent via email to the Registry of the Ministry of Defence at kirjaamo.plm(at)gov.fi.

Further information can be inquired by email from the Media and Communications Unit of the Ministry of Defence at tiedotus.plm(at)gov.fi.

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Defence Ministers of Finland, Sweden and Norway at Cold Response 26: Implementation of FLF Finland progressing rapidly

2026-03-16T14:10:00Z

“This is the most important Arctic exercise of the spring. Over 30,000 professional soldiers and reservists from 14 countries are training joint NATO operations in Norwegian and Finnish territory. Important components of the exercise include strengthening NATO’s High North, training joint operations in challenging conditions, and testing logistics and the capability to receive allied forces,” said Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen.

“The exercise also involves moving troops from Sweden to Finland, which is a key part of FLF Finland’s operational concept. The FLF approach will strengthen the security of Finland and the entire northern flank of the Alliance,” said Minister Häkkänen.

Finland’s Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen, Sweden’s Minister of Defence Pål Jonson and Norway’s Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik issued a declaration at Cold Response 26 in which they noted that rapid progress has been made in implementing FLF Finland. According to the declaration, the objective is to establish FLF Finland before the NATO summit in Ankara in July 2026.

“In practice, this means both the battle group offered by Sweden and the Multinational Staff Element to be established in Finland,” Minister Häkkänen said.

“FLF Finland is a concrete sign of NATO’s increasing deterrence and defence in Finland. Similarly, Cold Response 26 displays our strong capabilities and our Allies’ commitment to developing FLF Finland,” Minister Antti Häkkänen said.

Sweden is the framework nation for FLF Finland, which is a multinational NATO land force. Norway is the lead nation in Cold Response 26 and is one of the countries participating in the development of FLF Finland. The United Kingdom, France, Italy and Iceland have also announced their participation in the development of FLF Finland and are participating in Cold Response 26. Cold Response 26 is part of NATO’s Arctic Sentry operation, which shows the Alliance’s readiness to operate in the Arctic.

Declaration by the Ministers of Defence of Norway, Finland and Sweden

Inquiries: Samuli Puhakka, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358295140089.

Requests for interviews with Minister Häkkänen: Dani Niskanen, Special Adviser, tel. +358415444967.

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Joint statement on Cold Response 26 and NATO’s Forward Land Forces in Finland by the Ministers of Defence of Finland, Sweden and Norway

2026-03-16T14:07:00Z

NATO's Forward Land Forces Finland forms the 9th FLF in NATO and is an important part of NATO's enhanced deterrence and defence posture in the High North.

The exercise Cold Response 26 has been utilized to support the further development of FLF Finland. By exercising large-scale movement of forces from Sweden to Northern Finland, Cold Response 26 has demonstrated elements of the FLF employment. Cold Response 26 is also included in NATO's activity Arctic Sentry.

The exercise includes participation by nations that have expressed their intention to contribute to the further development of FLF Finland. This includes Norway, Denmark, France, Italy and the United Kingdom. Iceland has also expressed their intention to contribute to FLF Finland.

FLF Finland is progressing rapidly and will be established this year. Sweden will provide the core of the multinational battlegroup for FLF Finland, based in Boden (Northern Sweden). The intention is that FLF Finland will be established before the NATO Summit in Ankara this summer.

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Functions of 3rd Logistics Regiment to be placed in Kemi

2026-03-09T13:03:00Z

The decision will strengthen the resources of the Finnish Defence Forces’ logistics services in northern Finland.

The 3rd Logistics Regiment of the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command and its partners form the Finnish Defence Forces’ logistics service network in northern Finland. The regiment stores and maintains military equipment and provides units with logistics support where necessary. It participates in the provision of executive assistance to other authorities and contributes to the arrangements of support to enable international operations and exercises.

“Changes in the security environment, Finland’s membership in NATO and the Defence Cooperation Agreement between Finland and the United States will set growing demands on national logistics and capabilities. Development efforts will focus on military mobility, host nation support, medical support, the troops and capabilities of the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command, and the Nordic Joint Logistics Support Network,” Minister Häkkänen said.

The 3rd Logistics Regiment comprises the Regiment Headquarters, the Aeronautical Systems Depot, the North Finland Storage Section and the North Finland Security Unit. The Regiment Headquarters is located in Jyväskylä. Its other functions are located in Oulu, Rovaniemi, Tervola, Haapajärvi, Tampere and Pirkkala. The employment effect of the functions to be placed in Kemi will be six persons.

Inquiries: Ville Vilén, Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 212.

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Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen: A NATO Deployable CIS Module will be established in Riihimäki

2026-03-09T08:00:00Z

“Establishing a NATO Deployable CIS Module is Riihimäki will strengthen NATO’s ability to defend Finland and the High North and bolster the status of the Riihimäki Garrison as an important centre of expertise in command and control systems. My decision on the site is based on a comprehensive analysis of Finland’s homeland defence. I have considered NATO's requirements and Finland’s defence perspectives,” Minister of Defence Häkkänen said.

The Deployable CIS Module (DCM) will provide communication and information system (CIS) services in support of NATO forces and commands in Finland and, if necessary, across the Alliance. The DCM will have around 60 employees, and the posts will be filled by Finnish personnel.

“Earlier this month, the other Allies supported the establishment of a Deployable CIS Module in Finland. It shows that our strong expertise in command and control systems is recognised within NATO. The DCM will bring significant synergies for FLF Finland and the MCLCC-N in Mikkeli,” Häkkänen said.

The DCM is part of the NATO Command Structure. Its establishment, implementation and maintenance are eligible for NATO’s common funding. NATO’s Deployable CIS Modules (DCMs) operate under the NATO Communications and Information Systems Group (NCISG).

Inquiries: Jukka-Pekka Virtanen, Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 208. Requests for interviews with Minister Häkkänen: Dani Niskanen, Special Adviser, tel. +358 415 444 967.

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Finnish Government proposes to amend Nuclear Energy Act and Criminal Code to strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defence

2026-03-05T16:13:00Z

The objective is to remove legal barriers to enable Finland’s homeland defence as part of the Alliance and the full utilisation of NATO’s deterrence and defence.

The current legislation bans all import of nuclear devices into Finland and the transport, supply and possession of them in Finland. The draft proposal would allow the import of nuclear devices into Finland or their transport, supply or possession in Finland in the context of Finland’s homeland defence, NATO’s collective defence or defence cooperation.

Most NATO member states have no legal barriers to the full execution of NATO’s deterrence and defence. The draft proposal would make Finnish legislation compatible with NATO’s functions. The proposed amendment is part of the legislative reforms the Programme of Prime Minister Orpo’s Government outlines as necessary for Finland’s integration with NATO.

The amendment is proposed in order to maximise Finland’s security in an unpredictable operating environment. Its purpose is to ensure that all elements of NATO’s deterrence are credible and that the threshold of military action against Finland and the Alliance remains as high as possible. The amendment would strengthen deterrence, and its purpose is to prevent the use of military force against Finland and the Alliance.

Finland must contribute to the sustainment and development of NATO’s defence capability and, where necessary, to the full execution of NATO’s collective defence. The legislative amendment would enable not only NATO’s activities but also bilateral and multilateral cooperation. It would bring Finland’s contribution to NATO’s nuclear deterrence on a par with our closest allies.

According to NATO’s Strategic Concept, the fundamental purpose of NATO’s nuclear capability is to preserve peace, prevent coercion and deter aggression. As long as nuclear weapons exist, NATO will remain a nuclear alliance. However, NATO seeks to create the security environment for a world without nuclear weapons. NATO is a defensive alliance that fully complies with international law. All NATO member states, Finland included, are parties to the Treaty on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and are committed to its full implementation.

The proposed amendment would not mean that Finland would be seeking to have nuclear weapons in its territory. Finland does not seek to have nuclear weapons in its territory nor is NATO planning such a move. Moreover, the amendment would not impact NATO’s nuclear exercises as no nuclear weapons are moved during such exercises now or in future.

The proposed amendment to the Nuclear Energy Act would not conflict with Finland’s international obligations, and Finland would comply with the NPT, the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and any other international agreement binding on Finland as before. Finland will continue its active efforts to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and counter threats deriving from them.

It would still be in all situations punishable as a nuclear device offence to acquire, manufacture, develop and detonate nuclear devices and to conduct research for the purpose of manufacturing one. Moreover, nuclear device offences committed with a terrorist intent would remain criminalised as before.

The goal is for the amendments to enter into force as soon as possible.

The deadline for submitting comments is Thursday 2 April 2026.

Requests for interviews with Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen: Dani Niskanen, Special Adviser, tel. +358 295 140 109.

Inquiries: Janne Kuusela, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence. Contact via Director of Communications, Niina Hyrsky, tel. +358 295 140 120 or tiedotus.plm@gov.fi.

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Otto Saxén appointed Director General of Defence Policy Department at Ministry of Defence

2026-03-05T11:40:00Z

Otto Saxén is currently serving as Deputy Director General of the Department for Defence Policy. He has also held other positions at the Ministry of Defence, including Director of the Defence Cooperation Unit, Ministerial Adviser and Senior Researcher at the Defence Cooperation Unit and Senior Researcher at the National Defence Unit. From 2009 to 2013, Saxén worked as Senior Specialist in defence policy at Finland’s Mission to NATO in Brussels.

The Defence Policy Department is responsible for bilateral and multilateral defence cooperation, the coordination of NATO and EU affairs within the branch of government, research and analysis as well as for matters concerning defence capability development and use, conscription, voluntary national defence and total defence. The Director General is reponsible for managing the department, ensuring that the department meets its objectives and facilitating cooperation between their department and the Ministry’s other departments.

Inquiries: Kati Virtanen, Director of the Personnel Unit, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 435.

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Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen: NATO’s Forward Land Forces Multinational Staff Element to be established in Rovaniemi

2026-02-16T10:04:00Z

“Earlier we succeeded in securing the support of our Allies for our approach to FLF Finland. The implementation of that model has progressed well. The MNSE will form FLF Finland’s permanent presence in Northern Finland. The focus of FLF Finland’s battlegroup activities will be in Northern Finland and, largely supported by Rovaniemi and Sodankylä. Considering the synergies and the ability to support the activities, Rovaniemi is the best location for a permanent FLF Staff Element in Finland,” says Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen.

The structure of the MNSE will evolve in the coming years. The plan is to have about half of its activities carried out by the framework nation and the host nation and the other half by the contributing Allies.

“The peacetime strength of the MNSE will reach the same level as the Multi Corps Land Component Command in Mikkeli. This is a step towards strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defence in the High North and the Artic region. The MNSE should eventually have a few dozen employees. Together with the Allies contributing to FLF Finland, we are enhancing readiness across the Alliance and building even better interoperability,” says Minister Häkkänen.

The Forward Land Forces form a part of NATO’s peacetime activities. Under normal conditions, they train and exercise together with national home defence forces. Finland will permanently host the FLF’s Multinational Staff Element. Troops will be present in Finland for exercises and as required by the security situation. The FLF are part of NATO’s operations planning. Should the security situation change, the FLF presence could be scaled up to brigade size. Allies also exercise their ability to increase the land forces in peacetime.

Sweden as the framework nation, the United Kingdom, Italy, France and the Nordic countries Denmark, Norway and Iceland have announced their participation in NATO’s Forward Land Forces in Finland.

Inquiries: Samuli Puhakka, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 089. Requests for interviews with Minister Häkkänen: Dani Niskanen, Special Adviser, tel. +358 41 544 4967.

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Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen: Finland to host NATO Deployable CIS Module

2026-02-12T14:42:00Z

“I am very pleased that the Allies have again given their strong support to our objective in NATO. A Deployable CIS Module will strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defence throughout the High North,” says Finland’s Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen.

The Deployable CIS Module (DCM) will provide communication and information system (CIS) services in support of NATO forces and commands in Finland and, if necessary, across the Alliance.

The DCM is part of the NATO Command Structure. Its establishment, implementation and maintenance are eligible for NATO’s common funding. The DCM will have around 60 employees, and the posts will be filled by Finnish personnel.

“Finland has a great deal of expertise in command and control systems. Besides serving the interests of the Alliance, a DCM located in Finland will provide an opportunity to develop the compatibility of Finnish and NATO command and control services,” Minister Häkkänen says.

NATO’s Deployable CIS Modules (DCMs) operate under the NATO Communications and Information Systems Group (NCISG).

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Minister of Defence Häkkänen to attend meetings of defence ministers in Brussels

2026-02-10T14:38:00Z

“This is an important week for Europe’s security and defence. Both in the EU and in NATO we will discuss the next steps in military support for Ukraine and receive an up‑to‑date assessment of the situation in the war. At NATO we will also address burden‑sharing and the development of air and missile defence. At the end of the week, I will meet allies and partners at the Munich Security Conference,” says Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen.

EU Foreign Affairs Council with defence ministers

Minister Häkkänen will attend the meeting of EU defence ministers on Wednesday 11 February 2026. Topics on the agenda include the EU’s military support for Ukraine, defence innovation and the outlook for Europe’s defence readiness in 2026.

Meeting of NATO defence ministers

Minister Häkkänen will attend the meeting of NATO Ministers of Defence at NATO Headquarters on Thursday 12 February.

The agenda includes strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defence, progress towards the defence spending commitment, and the development of air and missile defence.

The ministers will also discuss Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and Allies’ support for Ukraine over an official working lunch of the NATO–Ukraine Council. The NATO–Ukraine Council was established at the Vilnius Summit in July 2023 to promote political dialogue and support Ukraine’s aspirations for NATO membership.

UDCG meeting and NORDEFCO defence ministers’ meeting

Minister Häkkänen will attend the meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) on Thursday 12 February.

The participants will address the situation in Ukraine and coordinate the materiel and training support to be provided to Ukraine. The meeting will be hosted by UK Secretary of State for Defence John Healey and German Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius.

Minister Häkkänen will also attend a defence ministers’ meeting of the Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO) on Thursday 12 February. The meeting will focus on current security and defence issues.

Munich Security Conference

From Brussels, Minister Häkkänen will travel to Munich to attend the international Munich Security Conference on 13 and 14 February 2026.

Minister Häkkänen will have several high-level bilateral meetings during the conference.

The Munich Security Conference brings together policymakers and experts in the field of security policy from around the world. This year’s conference will be held for the 62nd time.

Inquiries:

Eemeli Heikkilä, Senior Specialist (EU Foreign Affairs Council with defence ministers), tel. +358 295 140 020
Alex Santaholma, Senior Specialist (Meeting of NATO Ministers of Defence), tel. +358 295 140 028
Esko Salminen, Senior Specialist (Ukraine Defense Contact Group's meeting), tel. +358 295 140 094
Tiina Benredjem, Senior Specialist (NORDEFCO defence ministers’ meeting), tel. +358 295 140 009
Karoliina Honkanen, Director of Unit (Munich Security Conference), tel. +358 295 140 354
Emma Virkkunen, Senior Specialist (Communications), tel. +358 295 140 176

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The United Kingdom and Norway Join CAVS Research and Development Agreement

2026-02-09T08:26:00Z

The agreement comprises seven NATO members states including Latvia, Sweden, Germany, Denmark, Finland, Norway and United Kingdom. Finland serves as a lead nation of the whole Programme. The agreement is also signed with Patria Land Oy which is the prime developer and supplier of CAVS vehicles. The United Kingdom and Norway joined the Technical Arrangement of the CAVS Programme in 2025.

By signing the agreement, Norway and the United Kingdom will have access to the results of already existing product development packages and will, subject to national approvals, be able to participate in the further development of CAVS elements if they so wish.

“The CAVS Programme is becoming the most significant defence program of modern armoured vehicles in Europe. The programme strengthens European defence and NATO cooperation by increasing the countries' preparedness for cooperation at many different levels. With Finnish expertise, we will advance the defence capability of the whole of Europe. We can be proud of this for good reason,” says Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen.

The aim of the programme, launched between Finland and Latvia in 2020, is to develop a common and interoperable armoured 6x6 vehicle system for the needs of the participant nations. Patria has already delivered in total 250 vehicles to Finland, Latvia, Sweden and Denmark and the current overall number of orders is almost 2000 armoured vehicles. In September 2025, a multinational management office, dedicated for the CAVS Programme, was opened in Tampere, Finland to enable the effective administration and leadership of the quickly expanding programme.

Open to European and NATO countries with similar equipment requirements, the CAVS Programme is strengthening European defence and NATO cooperation by increasing interoperability in various levels.

Inquiries: Senior Specialist Jussi Ristimäki, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 072, and Brigadier General Eng. Juha-Matti Ylitalo, Finnish Defence Forces’ Logistics Command, tel. +358 299 800 (Defence Forces’ switchboard).

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Finland to send another package of defence materiel to Ukraine

2026-02-05T12:30:00Z

The overall value of the capabilities now delivered to Ukraine is around EUR 43 million. This time the package will include domestically-produced materiel that has been procured within the framework of the Ministry of Defence’s programme to support Ukraine. The total value of the defence materiel Finland has delivered to Ukraine has already reached EUR 3.2 billion.

“Finland will continue to support Ukraine by delivering defence materiel as planned. Besides our own support packages, we are also involved in several capability coalitions to build and strengthen Ukraine’s own capabilities. We want to do our part to ensure that Ukraine has the right and ability to defend its nation and people,” Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen said.

For operational reasons and to ensure that the delivery reaches its destination, more detailed information on the content of the assistance, manner of delivery or schedule will not be provided. Both Ukraine’s needs and the resources of the Finnish Defence Forces have been taken into account when deciding on the assistance.

Inquiries: Antti Vesala, Special Adviser to the Minister of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 099.

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Finland to contribute to NATO’s peacetime maritime activities in 2027

2026-01-29T13:53:00Z

“Our participation in NATO’s peacetime activities signals the unity of the Alliance and shows its readiness and defence capability. It also demonstrates that we bear our responsibility for the security of our neighbouring areas and that we are committed to increasing stability in the Baltic Sea. The security situation in the region is emphasised as a result of Russia continuing its hybrid activities,” said Minister of Defence Häkkänen.

Finland will contribute personnel and deploy one Katanpää class vessel to the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One (SNMCMG1) and be ready to deploy one Hamina class vessel to the Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1) if need arises. Finland is not planning to contribute to Forward Land Forces (FLF) in the territory of Allies or to NATO Air Policing missions in the airspace of Allies in 2027.

“The current security policy situation is such that it is best that the Finnish Army focus on activities in the territory of Finland, as is exemplified by the creation of Multi-Corps Land Component Command North in Finland and by the forthcoming Forward Land Forces Finland which can be scaled up when required. Both strengthen NATO’s collective defence. Progress in our F-35 programme will determine when we will be able to contribute to Air Policing missions in the airspace of our Allies,” Minister Häkkänen said.

NATO’s collective peacetime activities are an important element of NATO’s deterrence and defence posture throughout the Alliance. These activities include Forward Land Forces (FLF), the Standing Naval Forces (SNF), NATO Air Policing missions, NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence (NATO IAMD), the Allied Reaction Force (ARF) and various vigilance and readiness activities. Their purpose is to demonstrate NATO’s readiness and defence capability and to show that the Allies are committed to unity, solidarity and burden-sharing.

Inquiries: Antti Rajahalme, Senior Staff Officer, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 059. Requests for interviews with Minister Häkkänen: Dani Niskanen, Special Adviser, tel. +358 415 444 967.

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Working group proposes that real estate expropriation for security reasons be assigned to Ministry of Defence

2026-01-28T12:19:00Z

The current Act on the Expropriation of Immovable Property and Special Rights to Ensure National Security enables the expropriation of real estate to safeguard Finland’s security, security of supply and critical infrastructure. The working group examining the need to amend the expropriation legislation found that it has been difficult to apply the current act as each ministry is responsible for granting expropriation permits in their respective branch of government.

The working group proposes that only the Ministry of Defence would grant expropriation permits. It has the widest experience of assessing real-estate-related threats, and it is already responsible for supervising foreign real estate ownership and for preparing proposals for the state’s use of its pre-emption right, both tasks being closely related to expropriation for reasons of security. The group further argues that the Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with other branches of government, should be responsible for maintaining a situational picture of real estate that pose a potential security threat.

The working group also proposes that the right to obtain information under the current act be extended and updated so that other branches of government could issue statements in matters concerning expropriation. The group maintains that appropriate sanctions for violating the prohibition of measures under the act should be introduced and that a prohibition of measures should be issued as soon as a potential need for expropriation is identified. It should be possible to abandon voluntary transaction as a primary objective in urgent cases and to depart from the obligation to consult other authorities during the permit procedure if the matter is urgent or if the consultation is deemed not necessary for resolving the matter. The relevant authorities should also have wider possibilties to take temporary possession of real estate.

The working group proposes that compensation for expropriation for reasons of security be aligned with compensation payable under the Act on the Expropriation of Immoveable Property and Special Rights. Funding for expropriation for reasons of security should be pooled and taken into account in budgets.

The project implemented the Government Programme’s objectives to examine possibilities to engage in more effective ex post facto intervention and control in respect of assets central to the security of society and security of supply.

The report is a unanimomus view of the working group. The group had representatives from the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Ministry of Transport and Communications, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, Defence Command Finland, the Finnish Border Guard, the National Land Survey of Finland, the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service and the National Bureau of Investigation.

Link to the working group report (in Finnish)

Inquiries: Kosti Honkanen, Senior Specialist for Legal Affairs, Chair of the project, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 607, and Sami Heikkilä, Senior Specialist, Vice-Chair of the project, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 452.

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Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen: A new NATO accelerator site in Finland will combine technology, defence and economic growth

2026-01-23T08:29:00Z

“We set out to get a NATO accelerator site in Finland because, as a country, we have high technology and strong defence expertise. The accelerator inaugurated today will be good for research, defence and economic growth. New technologies have significant growth potential across NATO,” Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen said.

The new accelerator site provides training on business development in the defence sector for companies participating in the DIANA challenge programmes. It focuses on communication systems of the future and on quantum technology. Primary customers of the accelerator are startups and small- and medium-sized companies that have only little experience of the defence and security sectors. VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland runs the accelerator site together with Aalto University and the University of Helsinki.

“By integrating defence into Finland’s innovation policy we can create a stronger foundation for resilience, competitiveness and international cooperation,” Minister Häkkänen said.

The Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) is a NATO body that supports start-ups and SMEs in NATO member states in the development of critical dual-use technologies and the verification of their potential for military use. The Ministry of Defence is the national authority responsible for DIANA.

Speech delivered by Minister of Defence at the event

Requests for interviews with the Minister of Defence: Antti Vesala, Special Adviser, tel. +358 504 710 883

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Minister Häkkänen: Finland sends more defence materiel assistance to Ukraine

2026-01-16T09:29:00Z

The capabilities delivered in this package will cost Finland an estimated EUR 98 million. Finland has now delivered defence materiel to Ukraine to a total value of EUR 3.1 billion.

“We speeded up the preparation of this package to meet the most critical needs in Ukraine today. Our programme to support Ukraine by placing orders with the Finnish defence industry is proceeding as planned this year. Finland will continue supporting Ukraine through defence materiel deliveries as it is the most effective way of promoting a just peace in Ukraine,” Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen said.

Inquiries: Antti Vesala, Special Adviser to the Minister of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 099.

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Finland to send two liaison officers to Greenland to explore exercise opportunities

2026-01-15T13:46:00Z

Strengthening the security of the Arctic requires increasing investment from the Alliance.

“We have promoted this objective within NATO in various contexts ever since we joined the Alliance. It strengthens Finland’s security when our allies build up their ability to operate in the Arctic,” Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen said.

Finland is an active contributor to Arctic defence. Although we normally operate in the European Arctic, we have also taken part in NATO’s peacetime activities in Iceland and the North Sea. Despite having no experience of operating in Greenland, we are familiar with its operating environment and its demanding conditions.

Sweden, Norway, Germany, France and the United Kingdom, among other countries, are also sending military personnel to Greenland on reconnaissance missions.

Inquiries:

Janne Kuusela, Director General, Defence Policy Department, tel. +358 295 140 300

Requests for interviews with Minister Häkkänen: Dani Niskanen, Special Adviser, tel. +358 415 444 967

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