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Anu Nousiainen appointed Director General of Administration Policy Department at Finland’s Ministry of Defence

2026-07-09T11:58:00Z

Anu Nousiainen is currently serving as Director of Administrative Governance and Development at the Ministry of Finance. She has previously worked in the Public Governance Department at the Ministry of Finance as Head of Unit and in expert roles associated with central government development. She has also served as Administrative Director at the Regional State Administrative Agency for Southern Finland and in the municipal sector and as Ministerial Adviser and Senior Officer at the Ministry of the Interior.

The Administration Policy Department at the Ministry of Defence is responsible for the operational and financial planning of the defence administration and for the development of its organisation and structures. It is also responsible for matters related to legislation, law drafting and strategic level security and includes the Ministry’s internal audit service.

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

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Finnish Minister of Defence Häkkänen: A multinational programme will be built around Patria’s new tracked vehicle

2026-07-07T11:43:00Z

Patria TRACKX is a new generation tracked all-terrain vehicle designed to survive demanding and arctic conditions where high mobility and performance are a necessity. It was developed as part of the joint European Future Highly Mobile Augmented Armoured Systems (FAMOUS) programme. Patria plans to bring TRACKX into serial production in 2027–2028. Sweden, too, is involved in the pre-series procurement phase and product development through separate agreements with Finland.

“Multinational cooperation is the best way to build the capabilities we need to safeguard the security and defence capabilities of Europe. The Finnish defence administration and industry had great success with the CAVS programme, and I am glad of the level of trust there is for our expertise in the development of this new all-terrain vehicle designed for demanding conditions,” Minister of Defence Häkkänen said.

A multinational joint programme, like the Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) programme, is being prepared around Patria TRACKX under Finland’s leadership. The programme would also form part of the Eastern Flank Watch (EWF) initiative, which aims to ensure the security of the easternmost EU Member States.

Arctic mobility has been identified as a development area where the focus is on improving the protected operational mobility of forces. It has attracted wide interest not only in the Nordic countries but also in countries that need to operate in the north or in the mountains.

“The Arctic is a key priority for security policy in Finland and in NATO. The TRACKX programme will bring concrete improvements to our ability to operate in arctic conditions,” Minister Häkkänen said.

Inquiries: Olli Ruutu, Director General, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 400, and Jussi Ristimäki, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 072.

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Finnish Minister of Defence Häkkänen signs 12 agreements in Ankara to boost defence industry

2026-07-07T09:30:00Z

A replacement for NATO’s manned surveillance aircraft, an asset owned and operated by NATO, was announced at the Defence Industry Forum. A multinational joint procurement will purchase up to 10 Saab GlobalEye aircraft for use by NATO. In another effort to improve NATO’s air surveillance capabilities, a letter of intent was signed by several member states, including Finland, to procure the same capability for national needs, integrating it with the capability procured for NATO. In addition, a letter of intent was signed at the forum to expand NATO’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities by procuring MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft systems.

NATO’s High Visibility Projects

At the Defence Industry Forum, Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen signed several agreements related to NATO’s High Visibility Projects (HVPs). With HVPs, NATO wants to advance the objectives of the NATO Defence Planning Process (NDPP) and create multinational initiatives to encourage countries to develop the same capabilities.

Finland has joined several HVPs, including the Multi Role Tanker Transport Capability (MRTT-C) project where Allies will collectively invest in a fleet of MRTT multi-function aircraft. MRTTs are capable of strategic airlift, medical evacuation as well as air-to-air refuelling, which would be a new capability for Finland. The other HVPs Finland joined concern air defence, space technologies and defence critical raw materials, among other fields.

“Finland is actively involved in capability development within NATO. The agreements signed at the Defence Industry Forum are concrete examples of NATO’s 360-degree approach whereby the Alliance prepares for threats and strengthens its defence across all domains. It is important for Finland that we invest in space technologies, air defence and the Arctic,” Minister of Defence Häkkänen said.

Other agreements signed by the Minister of Defence

At the Defence Industry Forum, Minister of Defence Häkkänen also signed several other agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation among Allies in various fields. For example, Finland joined the statement of intent, presented by the United States, on strengthening the defence industry capacity through procurement coalitions and signed a statement of intent with the United States concerning exploration of industrial cooperation on missiles.

The Minister of Defence signed the following agreements at the NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum:

Arctic Mobility SoI
Air Defence Capabilities Against Lower-Level Air Threats HVP MoU
Crewed Airborne Early Warning HVP LoI
Defence Critical Raw Materials (DCRM) HVP MoU
Generic NATO Indirect Fire Round (GENIFR) HVP MoU
Hybrid Allied Layered Operations in Space (HALO) HVP LoI
Multi Role Tanker Transport Capability (MRTT) HVP MoU
NATO Flight Training Europe (NFTE)
NISRF Fleet Expansion LoI
Passive Air Surveillance Capabilities HVP MoU
Statement of Intent Concerning Exploration of Industrial Cooperation on AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile
Statement of Intent Concerning the Establishment of Procurement Coalitions

Inquiries: Olli Ruutu, Director General, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 400, and Johanna Hämäläinen, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 086.

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Joint statement by Finland, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Poland on developing the New Multilateral Defence Mechanism

2026-07-06T14:30:00Z

“Ahead of the Ankara NATO Summit the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Finland, and Poland reiterate our shared commitment to strengthen defence financing and improve the cost-efficiency of defence spending to transform our collective defence capabilities. In light of the rapidly evolving international security environment and the consequences of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, we shall act together to be prepared to address future threats. We remain committed to supporting Ukraine in defending its sovereignty and resisting Russian aggression.

We are making significant progress to develop the new Multilateral Defence Mechanism together with partners. The MDM is an innovative new financing model intended to accelerate defence investment, stimulate joint procurement, and aggregate demand in critical defence capabilities, with the ultimate objective of meeting the military needs of like-minded allies. We aim to move quickly to formal Treaty negotiations, respecting individual members’ ratification processes, while maintaining the shared ambition of setting up the MDM by 2027. We have benefitted from the support of a wider group of allies in developing the technical details of the model.

To further progress the MDM, the UK, the Netherlands, Finland and Poland will therefore:

work with core partners to expand the MDM into a broader coalition of participants;
build on technical development and move to the next phase of mechanism design and development with subscribed partners during the Autumn
ensure that emerging approaches to international defence financing are aligned and complementary, including by working with other NATO allies on aligning our efforts for increased capability and interoperability"

Inquiries:

Olli Ruutu, Director General, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 400, olli.ruutu(at)gov.fi
Leena Mörttinen, Permanent Under-Secretary, Ministry of Finance, tel. +358 295 530 021, leena.morttinen(at)gov.fi

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Minister of Defence Häkkänen to attend NATO Summit in Ankara

2026-07-03T10:17:00Z

Minister of Defence Häkkänen will attend the NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum (NSDIF26) and a working dinner of NATO defence ministers.

The Defence Industry Forum aims to promote dialogue between NATO, Allied political leaders and senior officials and the industry. A cross-section of Finnish defence industry companies will be joining the forum.

“Several long-negotiated defence industry projects will be published at the NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum in Ankara. Finland will be joining most of the initiatives that are focused on developing and producing capabilities. Our efforts will focus on translating our defence investments into concrete capabilities and making NATO’s deterrence and defence stronger,” Minister of Defence Häkkänen said.

Inquiries: Johanna Hämäläinen, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Defence (NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum), tel. +358 295 140 086. Requests for interviews with Minister Häkkänen: Dani Niskanen, Special Adviser, tel. +358 415 444 967.

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Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen: Finland’s ground-based air defence will have stronger areal coverage

2026-07-03T08:55:00Z

Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen has authorised the Finnish Defence Forces to procure short-range RBS 70 NG ground-based air defence (GBAD) systems from the Swedish Saab. The procurement will strengthen the areal coverage of GBAD across Finland.
The RBS 70 NG is an advanced version of the Finnish Defence Forces’ mobile surface-to-air missile system ITO05M. The features of the new system will improve Finland’s capabilities to counter both unmanned and manned aerial vehicles.
“We are developing Finland’s air defence system against a full range of threats. Safeguarding our preparedness requires appropriate and modern systems for each type of threat. This procurement is only one component of a larger package,” Minister of Defence Häkkänen says.
Regular personnel, conscripts and reservists will be trained mainly by the Salpausselkä Air Defence Battalion of the Karelia Brigade.
The procurement consists of munitions, training equipment and a maintenance system. Its overall value, without value added tax, is EUR 108 million. The capability will be fully operational by the end of the 2020s.
Inquiries: Jussi Ristimäki, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 072, and Colonel Mano-Mikael Nokelainen, Inspector of Ground-based Air Defence, Army Command Finland, tel. +358 299 800 (Finnish Defence Forces’ switchboard).

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Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen: A maintenance and service centre for MLRS Common Fire Control System will be created in Finland

2026-06-26T07:03:00Z

The Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) is manufactured by Lockheed Martin. It is a self-propelled heavy rocket launch system in the Finnish Army’s artillery.

The creation of a capability to maintain the MLRS Common Fire Control System is part of the indirect industrial participation linked to Finland’s F-35 Programme, deepening the defence materiel cooperation between Finland and the United States.

“It is a testament to the strong expertise of our defence industry that Finland is the first European country to host an MLRS Common Fire Control System maintenance and service centre. The indirect industrial participation linked to the F-35 Programme will create new jobs and further increase the high technology expertise of the Finnish defence industry,” Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen said.

Insta is a strategic partner of the Finnish Defence Forces. It is responsible for building maintenance and service capabilities for the avionics (electronic systems) of the Finnish Air Force’s F-35 fighters and related support services.

Inquiries: Krista Siik, Branch Engineer, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 015.

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Finland to fund additional EUR 40 million PURL package for Ukraine

2026-06-25T09:56:00Z

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo announced Finland’s new PURL package at the Ukraine Recovery Conference held in Gdánsk between 25 and 26 June.

“Russia continues its increasingly devastating attacks against civilian targets in Ukraine. Through PURL, Finland contributes to the strengthening of Ukraine’s air defence,” Prime Minister Orpo said.

“The contributions under the PURL initiative will significantly strengthen Ukraine’s air defence at this critical time. Finland is committed to supporting Ukraine through various instruments. These include the PURL initiative and Finland’s defence materiel assistance to Ukraine through our domestic defence industry and from the Finnish Defence Forces’ stockpiles,” Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen said.

The Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative, revealed by the President of the United Stated and the NATO Secretary General in July 2025, is designed to fund defence materiel assistance to Ukraine, sourced from the United States. The initiative is funded by European Allies and Canada and will consist of regular packages of critical defence materiel sourced from the United States and rapidly delivered to Ukraine.

Inquiries: Esko Salminen, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 094.

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US Secretary of the Army to visit Finland

2026-06-18T12:13:00Z

Secretary Driscoll and Finnish Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen will meet in Mikkeli on Friday 19 June. The Secretary and Minister will discuss bilateral defence cooperation, current topics in NATO, the security situation in Finland’s neighbouring areas and participation in training and exercises.

“We have been actively working to deepen defence cooperation between Finland and the United States. One example of this is the Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA), which reflects the United States’ commitment to Finland’s security and lays the foundation for cooperation in times of crisis,” Minister of Defence Häkkänen said.

During the working visit, Secretary Driscoll will meet with the Command of the Finnish Defence Forces and become acquainted with Finland’s defence industry.

Secretary of the Army Driscoll will also meet with President of the Republic Alexander Stubb during his visit.

Inquiries: Erkki Aalto, Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 006.

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Public consultation round launched on amendments to Act on Military Intelligence

2026-06-18T07:39:00Z

“We are amending the Act on Military Intelligence to strengthen the operating conditions for military intelligence and national defence. Currently the blanket ban on using the intelligence collection methods listed in the act in permanent residences gives actors who are a serious threat to national security a safe haven to plan and prepare actions that are harmful to Finland. Our proposal fixes this problem. We must be able to address and counter broad-spectrum threats against Finland,” Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen said.

The government proposal aims to improve the ability of military intelligence authorities to take action in an operating environment that has evolved and become more uncertain. One particular goal is to maintain and improve national defence and national security by obtaining more accurate and targeted information on targets of military intelligence.

The current Act on Military Intelligence contains a general prohibition on using intelligence collection methods in premises used for permanent residence. The proposal would remove this blanket ban and allow, among other things, the use of site exploitation and on-site interception in such premises. However, the proposal would not allow the use of all intelligence collection methods, such as technical observation, in premises used for permanent residence.

Provisions on the use of certain intelligence collection methods would be added to legislation, and the installation and removal of a device, process or software would be permitted. The proposal is based on needs to develop legislation that have been identified when applying intelligence collection legislation that entered into force in 2019.

Fundamental rights and human rights have been carefully considered when drafting the proposed amendments. The conditions for using these intelligence collection methods would be strict, given that their use encroaches on the right to respect for home and the protection of private life and that the authority to use them is secret in nature. Intelligence collection activities are already subject to multiple tiers of independent oversight.

Parliament is currently considering an amendment to the Constitution which would permit limitations on the right to the respect for home in order to collect information on military activities or other activities that pose a serious threat to national security. The amendment of the Act on Military Intelligence would be enacted based on the amendment to the Constitution and is intended to enter into force as soon as possible after the bill amending the Constitution has been passed.

The amendment of the Act on Military Intelligence would implement the Programme of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s Government with respect to the development of intelligence legislation.

The deadline for submitting views is 14 August 2026.

Lausuntopalvelu.fi (public consultation service): Request for views on the draft government proposal to amend the Act on Military Intelligence (in Finnish)

Inquiries: Kosti Honkanen, Senior Specialist for Legal Affairs, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 607.

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

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Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen: Finland will procure SDB II glide bombs for Finnish Air Force F-35A fighters

2026-06-18T05:59:00Z

The SDB II glide bombs will supplement the air-to-ground weaponry of the Finnish Air Force F-35A fleet. Their diverse features enable striking targets precisely at medium range, including moving targets in challenging weather conditions. The small size of the bomb allows F-35 fighters to carry multiple weapons at the same time.

“This procurement will supplement our previous order as part of the F-35 package. The SDB II glide bombs represent a new kind of capability for Finland, and they will strengthen our defence capability in challenging conditions. They are technologically advanced and will allow using the F-35 effectively as part of Finland’s defence system,” Minister of Defence Häkkänen said.

The United States Congress approved the sale of the Raytheon-manufactured GBU-53 SDB II glide bombs in connection with the HX Fighter Programme. This procurement will supplement the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract signed in 2023.

The procurement includes glide bombs, manuals and documentation, spare parts and accessories, transport services and the training, repair and support services provided by the manufacturer and supplier in accordance with the Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA).

Inquiries: Krista Siik, Branch Engineer, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 015, Colonel (ret.) Henrik Elo, F-35 Programme Director, Air Force Command Finland, tel. +358 299 800 (Finnish Defence Forces’ switchboard).

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Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen to attend meetings of NATO defence ministers, NATO’s Nuclear Planning Group and Ukraine Defence Contact Group in Brussels

2026-06-17T12:23:00Z

“It will be an important and weighty day of meetings. The agenda of the meeting of defence ministers includes strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defence, progress towards the defence spending commitment, boosting the defence industry and developing air and missile defence,” Defence Minister Häkkänen said.

“Finland’s goal is to promote decisions that strengthen defence, boost capabilities and improve readiness in Europe. All allies must take their duty to invest in collective defence seriously,” Defence Minister Häkkänen added.

The agenda for the meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) includes the situation in the war in Ukraine and the coordination of materiel and training support for Ukraine between participating countries.

“Support for Ukraine strengthens the stability of all of Europe as well as Finland’s own security,” Defence Minister Häkkänen said.

Minister of Defence Häkkänen will also attend a meeting of NATO’s Nuclear Planning Group, which is the body responsible for NATO’s nuclear deterrence policy.

“The agenda includes current topics relating to NATO’s nuclear deterrence,” Defence Minister Häkkänen said.

Minister Häkkänen will also meet with the defence ministers of the Nordic and Baltic countries at the NB8 meeting.

Inquiries: Meiju Keksi, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Defence (NATO defence ministers’ meeting), tel. +358 295 140 025, Esko Salminen, Senior Specialist (Ukraine Defence Contact Group's meeting), tel. +358 295 140 094. Requests for interviews with Minister Häkkänen: Dani Niskanen, Special Adviser, tel. +358 415 444 967.

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Exports of defence materiel grew 241 per cent in 2025

2026-06-15T10:01:00Z

In 2025, the Ministry of Defence granted 479 licences for permanent exports and transfers of defence materiel. The combined value of these licences was EUR 930 million (EUR 1.4 billion in 2024), which is the second highest amount ever. Examined by region, most licences were granted for exports to European countries. A total of 395 licences were granted to countries in Europe, corresponding to 90 per cent of the total value of the licences granted. The actual exports normally take place within a few years after the export licence is granted.

Examined by country, licenses of the highest values were granted to Denmark (EUR 195 million), Sweden (EUR 172 million) and Spain (EUR 121 million). Licences for land vehicles make up 99 per cent of the total value of licences granted to Denmark. Sweden’s share is made up of firearms and land vehicles. Spain's share consists of software and other technology related to software radio systems.

The annual report on the exports of defence materiel only covers commercial exports. It therefore does not contain information on defence materiel assistance that Finland has provided to Ukraine as part of international assistance. Finland granted 23 licences for commercial exports to Ukraine, with a combined value of approximately EUR 57 million.

The total value of completed exports in 2025 reached around EUR 702 million, which is the highest number ever and represents an increase of 241 per cent from 2024. The top three destination countries in 2025 were Sweden (EUR 182 million), Japan (EUR 107 million) and Latvia (EUR 81 million). Exports to Sweden mainly consisted of land vehicles and small arms designed for military use. Exports to Japan and Latvia mainly consisted of land vehicles. Examined by region, 73 per cent of exports were to Europe (95 per cent in 2024) and 16 per cent to Northeast Asia.

All licence applications are subject to a case-by-case overall consideration based on national legislation and international commitments binding on Finland. Key frameworks include the Council of the European Union’s common position on defining common rules for the control of exports of military technology and equipment (2008/944/CFSP) and the Arms Trade Treaty. Licence applications are reviewed by a cross-administrative working group on exports, where the Ministry for Foreign Affairs is responsible for the foreign and security policy assessment.

The full 2025 annual report on defence materiel exports is available on the Ministry of Defence website.

Inquiries: Frans Peltonen, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 021.

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Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen: Finland and Ukraine have signed defence materiel cooperation document

2026-06-12T09:07:00Z

The Memorandum of Understanding deals with quality assurance practices in defence industrial production and provides a framework for cooperation between Finland and Ukraine.

“Defence materiel cooperation between Finland and Ukraine strengthens the security of both countries. The Memorandum of Understanding concerning quality assurance is a concrete step forward in the increasingly close defence industry cooperation between our countries,” says Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen.

Inquiries: Björn Enroth, Branch Engineer, Material Unit, Resource Policy Department, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295140053.

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Australia's Minister of Defence visits Finland

2026-06-09T10:51:00Z

Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen and Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Richard Marles discussed bilateral defence cooperation, defence materiel cooperation and the security policy situation in Europe and the Indo-Pacific region.

“I see many opportunities for closer cooperation between Australia’s and Finland's defence industries and technology sectors. This growing cooperation will strengthen the security of our countries,” said Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen.

Inquiries: Markus Rahja, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 096.

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Brazil’s Minister of Defence visits Finland

2026-06-08T09:30:00Z

During the working visit, Finland’s Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen and Brazil's Minister of Defence José Mucio Monteiro Filho will discuss bilateral defence cooperation, the global defence policy situation and Finland’s concept for comprehensive security.

Finland and Brazil signed a statement of intent concerning defence industry cooperation and technology during the visit.

“Brazil’s strong defence industry expertise is an excellent starting point for deeper cooperation. Promoting defence materiel cooperation between our countries will provide new export opportunities for Finland’s defence industry and technology companies,” said Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen.

During the working visit Minister of Defence Mucio will also meet with representatives of Finnish defence companies.

Inquiries: Markus Rahja, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 096.

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NATO Forward Land Forces Finland to start operations on 6 June

2026-06-05T11:44:00Z

“The launch of FLF Finland is a significant step in the process to strengthen Finland and the northern flank of the whole Alliance. At the start of the government term, we announced as our goal to establish NATO’s Forward Land Forces in Finland. We promoted our objectives with determination at ministerial and commander level and in various NATO bodies, and our Allies endorsed our proposal. Since then, progress have been swift, and FLF Finland will be officially founded tomorrow,” Finland’s Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen said.

With the establishing of FLF Finland, a Swedish battlegroup based in Boden, northern Sweden, and a Multinational Staff Element in Rovaniemi, northern Finland, will be transferred under the command of General Alexus G. Grynkewich, Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR).

“Like NATO’s other Forward Land Forces, FLF Finland, too, has been designed for operations in specific geographical environments and for response to specific threats. In practice, FLF Finland will strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defence in the High North by providing SACEUR with forces specialised on Arctic conditions, reinforcing the security of Finland and our neighbouring regions. At the same time, we will provide our Allies with an opportunity to exercise land warfare in Arctic conditions,” Minister Häkkänen said.

The core of FLF Finland will be a Swedish battalion-size battlegroup of around 600 highly-trained soldiers with an ability for rapid transfer from their base in Boden to Finland. It will operate under the Multinational Staff Element in Rovaniemi. In future, the total strength of FLF Finland will be of a brigade size and scaling it up beyond the battalion-size battlegroup to a brigade-size unit will be exercised regularly.

“Defence cooperation between Finland and Sweden is of long standing, enabling the rapid progress we have made with turning FLF Finland from plans into reality. Earlier this year, the movement of Swedish forces from Sweden to Finland was exercised during the Cold Response exercise. The plan is to transform them into multinational forces, and to continue improving exercises in the FLF Finland framework together with Sweden and other Allies. The Arctic conditions in Northern Finland necessitate that any Ally contributing to FLF Finland can provide forces and capabilities fit for our conditions,” Häkkänen said.

The United Kingdom, France, Italy, Norway, Denmark and Iceland have also announced their participation in the development of FLF Finland.

Janne Kuusela, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, will represent the Ministry of Defence of Finland at the FLF Finland inauguration ceremony in Boden, Sweden.

Inquiries:

Samuli Puhakka, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 089.

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

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Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen: A stricter control of foreign acquisitions would strengthen security

2026-06-05T09:43:00Z

In the current Act on the Screening of Foreign Corporate Acquisitions, the entities subject to screening are divided into defence industry enterprises and other companies that produce or supply critical products or services. The new act, replacing the current act, would clarify the entities subject to screening and define them more precisely. It would also have a broader scope of application than the current act.

“Our security environment has deteriorated fundamentally and in the long term. The proposal is part of the Government’s efforts to strengthen Finland’s comprehensive security, resilience and security of supply and to prevent hybrid threats against us. The new act would give us better tools for screening and, if necessary, for limiting the transfer of influence to foreign investors when a company produces or supplies critical products or services,” Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen said.

The legislative proposal was prepared in a cross-government working group, which was led by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and had also representation from the Ministry of Defence. The Ministry of Defence is active in the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment’s network for screening foreign corporate acquisitions and gives opinions on applications concerning proposed acquisitions in the defence sector. The legislative amendment would further improve the exchange of information between authorities and access to information.

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

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Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen: We will reform Finland’s military intelligence legislation to strengthen our homeland defence and national security

2026-06-04T10:36:00Z

“We will reform Finland’s military intelligence legislation to strengthen our homeland defence and national security and to improve our ability to anticipate and prepare for threats. The motivation for our proposal arose from issues identified in the practical application of the current legislation and from technological advances,” Minister Häkkänen said.

The legislative reform seeks to address the changed security environment and improve Finland’s homeland defence and national security, taking due consideration of fundamental and human rights.

“Russia has become more unpredictable, and it makes active use of a broad spectrum of influence activities. We must be able to address and counter broad-spectrum threats against Finland even if no military force is used. The update to the intelligence legislation will strengthen the possibilities of Finnish authorities to sustain and improve their ability to act in the changed operating environment,” Häkkänen said.

The Government proposes to introduce new powers for network traffic intelligence regarding the definition of search criteria and the processing of technical data to identify routing of and changes in network traffic.

A new power is proposed for computer network exploitation of state actors that would enable Finnish authorities to collect data on the operations and data of an information system used for military activities or activities that pose a serious threat to Finland’s national security.

In addition, a new right is proposed for performing such intelligence tasks in a foreign information system that are necessary for preventing military activities or activities that threaten Finland’s national security.

The Finnish Army, the Finnish Navy and the Finnish Air Force would also be able to use covert human intelligence sources alongside radio signals intelligence.

Reservists and those participating in voluntary national defence who are suited to intelligence tasks would be offered wider opportunities to participate in military intelligence activities during refresher training and voluntary national defence training.

The Government also proposes that the Finnish Border Guard be authorised to assist military intelligence authorities on request. The participation in military intelligence would be added to the duties of the Border Guard.

The government proposal would expand information exchange between military intelligence authorities and the Finnish Tax Administration, the Financial Supervisory Authority as well as Finnish insurance institutions, pension institutions and employment funds to facilitate obligation compliance reporting. The amendments would improve operating conditions for military intelligence authorities.

The proposal to reform military intelligence legislation is not dependent on the government proposal to amend section 10 of the Constitution of Finland.

Inquiries: Kosti Honkanen, Senior Specialist for Legal Affairs, Ministry of Defence, tel. +359 295 140 607.

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Fourteen negative decisions on real estate transactions

2026-06-04T07:30:00Z

The negative decisions concerned properties in Asikkala, Hyrynsalmi, Imatra, Laukaa, Pöytyä, Rautjärvi and Rovaniemi.

The applicants were citizens or companies owned by citizens of China, Ukraine, Türkiye and India. They had different kinds of plans for the real estate, such as business, recreational and residential use.

The decisions to deny the applicants a permit were based on the Act on Permit Requirements for Certain Real Estate Acquisitions (470/2019). The Ministry of Defence gave as reasons for the negative decisions that the acquisitions could be deemed to risk national security, hinder the organisation of national defence or endanger security of supply.

“Each decision is based on a comprehensive overall consideration of the case. We will prevent real estate transactions that could threaten our security,” Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen said.

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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