Finland has announced plans to raise its defense spending to at least 3% of GDP within the next four years and is preparing to exit the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel mines. Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen said the move aims to modernize the army and enhance defense capabilities based on evolving threats. Defense expert Robin Häggblom called the increase “significant,” noting current spending, including F-35 jet acquisitions, already nears 2.4% of GDP. The announcement signals Finland’s shift toward a more robust military posture amid growing regional security concerns. Withdrawal from the landmine ban would further align Finland’s strategy with NATO’s broader […]
Category: Finland
Finland Begins Construction of F-35 Engine Facilities
Finland has started building new facilities to assemble and maintain Pratt & Whitney F135 engines for its future fleet of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters. The project, managed by the Finnish defense infrastructure agency Defense Properties, aims to support Finland’s integration into NATO’s airpower network. These facilities will enhance Finland’s ability to maintain and sustain its fleet domestically, reducing reliance on foreign maintenance hubs. The investment reflects Finland’s commitment to modernizing its defense capabilities amid growing regional security concerns. Once operational, the site will play a crucial role in supporting Finland’s long-term F-35 program. Original news
Safran secures navigation systems deal with Finnish Army
Safran Electronics & Defense has signed a contract to supply its Geonyx Inertial Navigation System (INS) to the Finnish Defence Forces for artillery systems from 2024 to 2031. The Geonyx INS, featuring HRG Crystal technology, ensures precise navigation and targeting, even in GPS-denied environments. The system enhances operational accuracy by detecting GPS signal threats and disabling GPS hybridization when necessary. The deal aligns with Finland’s growing defense investments, with military spending projected to reach $4.8 billion by 2028, according to a GlobalData report. The agreement strengthens Finland’s artillery capabilities amid increasing regional security concerns. Original news
Ukraine Secures Over $10 Billion in Aid on Third Anniversary of Russian Invasion
On the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine received over $10 billion in aid from European, Nordic, Spanish, and Canadian sources. Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced a €1 billion military aid package as part of a 10-year agreement with Ukraine. The European Union will provide €3.5 billion in March, while Canada pledged $5 billion from Russia’s frozen assets along with 25 LAVIII infantry vehicles, artillery shells, and F-16 flight simulators. Meanwhile, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand imposed new sanctions on Russia, targeting its military and energy sectors. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged the G7 to take […]
Poland, Finland, and Baltics Strengthen Defenses Amid Rising Russia Concerns
European nations, including Poland, Finland, and the Baltic States, are ramping up their defense systems in response to perceived threats from Russia. Poland is investing €2.5 billion in border defenses, including a missile defense system modeled after Israel’s Iron Dome. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized the importance of the initiative, calling for a European missile defense shield. Meanwhile, Germany has spent €30-40 billion on F-35A fighters and over €60 billion on ammunition and missiles since 2022, while the UK is reviewing its military strategy amid equipment cuts. The growing investments highlight Europe’s urgency in strengthening its defenses against evolving […]
Finland’s First Pohjanmaa-Class Corvette Hull Completed
Finnish shipbuilder Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) has completed the hull of the first Pohjanmaa-class multirole corvette for the Finnish Navy, marking a major milestone in the Squadron 2020 program. The hull was officially finished at the end of 2024, with protective covering removed in early February. The vessel will now undergo fitting-out at RMC ahead of its scheduled launch in Q2 2025. RMC is constructing four corvettes under a €647.6 million ($687.8 million) contract awarded in 2019, with two ships currently under construction and a third set to begin later this year. The project is being managed by RMC’s defense […]
Finland Joins the Artemis Accords to Expand Space Strategy
Finland became the 53rd nation to sign the Artemis Accords, marking its commitment to international space cooperation and becoming the first nation to join under Trump’s second term. This move reflects Finland’s strategic focus on space as a defense priority, particularly as climate change drives increased activity in the polar region. In December, Finland adopted a new space strategy aimed at boosting commercial space capabilities in defense, telecommunications, and climate monitoring, with expectations of significant financial benefits. Wille Rydman, Finland’s minister of economic affairs, highlighted the growing importance of space activities for security and defense policy. He emphasized that space […]
NATO Strengthens Baltic Defense Amid Undersea Cable Sabotage
NATO has initiated Operation Baltic Sentry to address suspected Russian sabotage of underwater cables in the Baltic Sea. An international flotilla, supported by elite divers, submersible drones, and advanced aircraft such as F-35 fighter jets, has assembled near Tallinn, Estonia, to protect critical gas pipelines and internet cables. The UK has deployed P-8 Poseidon submarine-hunting aircraft and Rivet Joint spy planes, following the Royal Navy’s tracking of the Russian spy ship Yantar. Finnish authorities have accused the Eagle S tanker of damaging cables, adding to growing tensions in the region. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned of consequences for any threats […]
Sweden Joins NATO Efforts to Bolster Baltic Sea Security
Sweden has pledged to support NATO’s enhanced naval presence in the Baltic Sea by contributing up to three warships, one ASC 890 surveillance aircraft, and four coast guard ships. This commitment follows NATO’s recent decision to strengthen its naval posture in response to increased Russian activities in the region. Finnish media report that NATO may deploy up to ten warships to protect critical underwater infrastructure. Meanwhile, Estonia’s navy has intensified patrols in the Gulf of Finland as Finland investigates suspected sabotage of the Estlink 2 submarine cable, allegedly involving Russia’s ‘shadow fleet.’ Sweden’s participation underscores its commitment to regional security […]
Finland Plans Significant Increase In Defense Spending
Finland’s government has proposed raising defense spending from $6.8 billion in 2025 to $11.5 billion by 2032, reaching 3.3% of GDP and exceeding NATO’s 2% guideline. Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen cited unpredictable security risks and the possibility of large-scale conflicts as key reasons for the increase. An updated Defense Report, presented to the Eduskunta on December 19, outlined threats from Russia as a major concern. Finland’s defense budget has seen significant growth since 2020, including an $8.8 billion acquisition of 64 Lockheed Martin F-35A fighters. These measures underscore Finland’s commitment to strengthening its military capabilities in response to evolving security […]
The US Air Force needs to learn the way of the Finns for the war of 2027
Finland, a NATO member since 2023, has ordered 64 F-35 stealth fighters to replace its aging F/A-18C/D Hornets. Major General Juha-Pekka Keränen emphasized that Finland’s proximity to Russia requires a unique defense strategy, including the use of civilian airfields and highways as airstrips to evade Russian missile strikes. The F-35’s advanced stealth capabilities are seen as vital for air safety, though its high maintenance demands pose challenges for Finland’s austere operational bases. In September, U.S. F-35s successfully landed on Finnish highways, demonstrating the fighter’s adaptability to unconventional locations. This acquisition highlights Finland’s commitment to modernizing its defense capabilities and ensuring […]
Nordic countries discuss joint procurement of CV90 Mk IV IFVs
Nordic Defence Cooperation members, including Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, are exploring a joint procurement of CV90 Mk IV infantry fighting vehicles. According to BAE Systems Hägglunds Managing Director Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, the discussions are in early stages but could result in the purchase of several hundred vehicles. Lithuania may also participate in the procurement effort, broadening regional collaboration. This initiative underscores a collective push to enhance military capabilities across the Nordic and Baltic regions. The potential joint purchase highlights the importance of regional defense partnerships in modernizing ground forces. Original news
Lockheed Martin teams with Iceye to advance AI-enabled targeting
Lockheed Martin is collaborating with Finnish radar imaging satellite company Iceye to advance AI-powered target recognition for Finland’s military. Announced on Nov. 20, the partnership focuses on developing AI algorithms using Iceye’s synthetic aperture radar imagery to support Finland’s F-35 tactical aviation program. Lockheed Martin’s AI expert Jonathon Brant emphasized the importance of “multi-modal data fusion” for improving decision-making through near real-time intelligence. Brant also addressed the cybersecurity challenges of AI, highlighting Lockheed Martin’s work with NIST to establish standards for protecting AI systems from adversarial machine learning threats. This initiative reflects a strategic push to integrate cutting-edge AI technology […]
Finnish Army to acquire new Patria mortar system
The Finnish Defence Forces announced plans to acquire the Patria TREMOS modular 120mm mortar system, enhancing battlefield mobility and flexibility. A pre-series of the system, known as the 120 KRH M3, will be delivered in 2025 and was recently showcased at the Future Mortar Systems conference in London. The system features a truck-mounted modular carriage, enabling rapid deployment within 60 seconds, quick mobility after firing, and compatibility with various vehicle types. With reduced recoil, the TREMOS system requires no ground support and can operate independently or as part of a larger unit, supporting both 120mm and 81mm mortar ammunition. Despite […]
Finland Approves AARGM-ER Acquisition For F-35
Finnish Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen authorized the procurement of Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range (AARGM-ER) missiles for the Finnish Defence Forces. These AGM-88G AARGM-ER missiles will equip the F-35A multi-role fighters, enhancing survivability against adversarial long-range ground-based air defenses. This acquisition, managed by the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command, includes missiles, software, spare parts, training, and support services from 2024 to 2031. The AARGM-ER system is a new capability for Finland, initially requested as part of the HX Programme, with U.S. Congressional approval granted in 2023. Finland joins a select group of countries authorized to procure the AARGM-ER missiles, […]