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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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Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen: Having a broad agreement on Finland’s defence development is our key strength

2026-06-02T07:41:00Z

“Having a broad agreement on Finland’s defence development is our key strength. The final report of the parliamentary working group shows that we have a broad agreement on key defence policies. It will enable long-term cooperation, spanning across government terms, to strengthen Finland’s defence and security,” Minister of Defence Häkkänen said.

A parliamentary working group on defence, appointed by the Finnish Government, examined the need to develop and resource Finland’s homeland defence in the 2030s. In its final report, the group states that the planning of the defence administration’s activities and resources is increasingly dependent on funding levels agreed across parliamentary terms and that the costs of sustaining and developing Finland’s defence capability clearly exceed the NATO target of 3.5% of GDP annually.

“We will fix the deficiencies in our defence system and strengthen Finland’s defence with determination to counter the long-term threat posed by Russia. Our shared situation picture and commitment to raising Finland’s defence expenditure in coming years will ensure that people in Finland can have a safe and happy future. I would like to express my thanks to the parliamentary working group for their good and thorough work. Finland’s defence is a common cause,” Minister Häkkänen said.

The parliamentary working group was chaired by Member of Parliament Jukka Kopra (National Coalition Party). All parliamentary parties were represented in the group. The final report includes a dissenting opinion of the Left Alliance Parliamentary Group.

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

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Parliamentary working group on defence submits final report to Minister of Defence Häkkänen

2026-06-02T07:29:00Z

The working group submitted their final report on Finland’s defence development and resource needs to Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen on 2 June 2026. For the last six months, the Finnish defence administration provided the group with extensive information on matters concerning Finland’s operating environment and the need to develop and resource homeland defence in the long term.

The main conclusion of the report is that Russia poses a long-term and unpredictable threat to the security of Finland and NATO. Besides the Russian threat, Finland’s operating environment is also reshaped by the evolving character of war, by technological advances and by changes in the transatlantic division of responsibilities. A fundamental purpose of sustaining and developing Finland’s defence capability is to avoid a military crisis and to preserve peace. Preparedness is invariably preferable to a crisis in economic terms and especially from a human perspective.

Finland’s defence must be dimensioned to meet the requirements of the security environment, as well as the objectives and commitments related to NATO’s collective defence.

The report concludes that, while the foundation of Finland’s military capability is sound, a maintenance backlog has accumulated over the years and should be addressed as soon as possible. Over the next ten to fifteen years, the focus of defence system development will be on modernising land defence and addressing accumulated capability gaps.

Sufficient long-term resourcing of defence across parliamentary terms is essential for safeguarding Finland’s defence capability.

The parliamentary working group on defence was chaired by Member of Parliament Jukka Kopra (National Coalition Party). All parliamentary parties were represented in the group. The final report includes a dissenting opinion of the Left Alliance Parliamentary Group.

Inquiries:

Jukka Kopra, chair of the parliamentary working group, tel. +358 400 515 066.
Janne Kuusela, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 105.
Markku Viitasaari, Director of the National Defence Unit, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 330.
Outi Mäkinen, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 012.

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Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen: Finland will host a series of NATO Innovation Range events

2026-06-01T06:16:00Z

The NATO Innovation Range (NIR) events are an opportunity for companies who are developing defence and security technologies to test the feasibility of their innovations in practice and ascertain that they meet the requirements of real-world situations and environments. Each of the four events offer companies a specific environment to test their innovations, including command and control, NATO’s eastern flank, High North and the maritime domain.

“The NATO Innovation Range events in Finland offer companies high-quality, realistic conditions and a world-class testing infrastructure. These NATO-led testing events bring together developers of new technologies and end-users in the defence administration. They promote interoperability of Allied systems and foster performance in demanding operational domains,” Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen said.

Both Finnish companies and international companies from NATO member states will be participating in the events. They will be testing command and control systems, system integration, artificial intelligence and data applications, communications technologies, sensor systems and counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS).

In connection with the Innovation Range events, a testing event for NATO’s Layered Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems Initiative (LCI-X) will be held. The LCI-X aims to enable the development of new and innovative C-UAS technologies.

“Our active participation in NATO’s research, development and innovation activities will strengthen our security and create new business opportunities for Finnish technology companies. Organising these events in Finland is possible thanks to our strong innovation ecosystems,” Minister Häkkänen said.

Finland’s Ministry of Defence will act as the national authority responsible for the testing events. It has authorised Digital Defence Ecosystem and the Defence Innovation Network Finland (DEFINE) to organise the events series together with Borderland Europe, Business Joensuu, Business Oulu and Business Turku.

Inquiries: Ville Elo, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 202.

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Minister of Defence Häkkänen: Finland to send another package of defence materiel to Ukraine

2026-05-29T13:38:00Z

The overall value of the capabilities now delivered to Ukraine is around EUR 128 million. The total value of the defence materiel Finland has delivered to Ukraine has already reached EUR 3.4 billion.

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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Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen: Finland will exceed NATO’s 1.5% target for defence- and security-related spending in 2026

2026-05-20T06:00:00Z

“Total defence is an essential element of Finland’s defence. Traditionally, Finland has always sought to ensure the resilience of our civil society, and now we have stepped up our efforts. The fact that we are able to exceed the NATO target already this year, the first year of reporting, shows that we take total defence seriously,” Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen said.

At the 2025 NATO Summit in The Hague, Allies made a commitment to investing five per cent of GDP annually on defence. They will allocate at least 3.5 per cent of GDP annually on core defence requirements and up to 1.5 per cent of GDP annually on defence- and security-related spending. Each Ally must reach the new target by 2035.

Based on the agreed definition of NATO defence expenditure, for Finland the 3.5 per cent target includes the defence budget (i.e. the expenditure of the Ministry of Defence’s branch of government), parts of the Finnish Border Guard’s expenditure, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs’ share of the expenditure on military crisis management operations, and retirement pension paymens by the defence administration.

“The 1.5 per cent target for defence- and security-related spending includes the costs of such activities as enabling the execution of operations plans, strengthening the defence industrial base, promoting innovation in the defence sector, safeguarding civil preparedness and resilience, and supporting Ukraine. All these we have been promoting with determination,” Häkkänen said.

The reporting is based on a cross-government preparation led by the Ministry of Defence. The Ministry of Defence is responsible for coordinating Finland’s total defence.

Although Finland will be exceeding NATO’s target of 1.5 per cent, it will have no impact on our reaching the 3.5 per cent target for spending on core defence requirements.

Inquiries: Petri Vähäkangas, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 140 218 and Markku Viitasaari, Director, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 330. Requests for interviews with Minister Häkkänen: Dani Niskanen, Special Adviser, tel. +358 415 444 967.

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Minister of Defence Häkkänen to attend meeting of EU defence ministers

2026-05-12T08:04:00Z

The ministers will discuss EU support to Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and its implications for European defence and security, and the EU’s defence readiness and preparedness. They will also receive a presentation on the outcomes of the updated comprehensive EU Threat Analysis.

The European Defence Agency (EDA) Steering Board will meet in the configuration of defence ministers before the Council meeting.

Inquiries: Peppi Heinikainen, Senior Specialist (defence configuration of the Foreign Affairs Council), tel. +358 295 140 512; Kristian Vakkuri, Head of Communications (communications on the meeting), tel. +358 295 140 123.

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Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen: The Finnish Defence Forces will procure thermal clip-on optics

2026-05-11T07:30:00Z

Thermal clip-on optics are thermal imaging sights mounted in front of a weapon’s primary day optic.

“This procurement will ensure that new sniper and designated marksman rifles will have the thermal imaging capability that meets the Finnish Defence Forces’ requirements,” Minister of Defence Häkkänen said.

The TigIR-M20 thermal sights will be supplied by the German company Andres Industries AG, selected through a competitive tendering organised by the NSPA. The overall value of the procurement, without value added tax, is more than EUR 24 million. The procurement is part of the development of night combat and sniper capabilities within the Dismounted Soldier System Programme.

Inquiries: Jussi Ristimäki, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 072; Colonel Ari Mure, Inspector of Infantry, Army Command Finland, tel. +358 299 800 (Finnish Defence Forces’ switchboard).

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Minister of Defence Häkkänen to attend ministerial meeting of Nordic Defence Cooperation in Trondheim

2026-05-05T06:00:00Z

The ministers will discuss the progress of Nordic defence cooperation in, for example, prepositioning, military mobility and logistics. They will also exchange views on cooperation between the Nordic Air Forces and the plans to raise the production capacity of ammunition. Other items on the agenda include topical NATO matters and current regional security issues.

“We are promoting stronger Nordic defence in many areas. By improving our strategic and operational interoperability, we can better achieve seamless cooperation to strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defence,” Minister of Defence Häkkänen said.

Norway is chairing NORDEFCO this year, and the meeting will be hosted by Norway’s Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik.

Inquiries: Tiina Benredjem, Senior Specialist (the meeting), Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 009; Kristian Vakkuri, Head of Communications (communications on the meeting), Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 123. Requests for interviews with Minister Häkkänen: Dani Niskanen, Special Adviser, tel. +358 415 444 967.

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