Official press releases, news and speeches that the minister has held are located in this section. The Ministry of Defence publishes all of its press releases and news in Finnish and Swedish and many of them in English, too.
Press Releases
Denmark to join Finland-led CAVS Framework Agreement
Denmark joins by once into the all three main agreements of Common Armoured Vehicle System CAVS Programme (Research & Development Agreement, Framework Agreement and Life Cycle Management Frame Agreement) which enables developing new vehicle variants, serial procurements of CAVS vehicles from Patria and guarantees joint life cycle management services. Denmark joined into the CAVS Programme earlier this year. The other participants of CAVS Programme are Finland, Sweden, Germany and Latvia.
Government proposal: the Conscription Act will be amended with regard to Åland residents and persons whose gender has been legally recognised
On 10 July 2025, the Finnish Government submitted to Parliament a proposal for amending the Conscription Act and the Act on Voluntary Military Service for Women. The amendments would apply to Åland residents and to persons whose gender has been legally recognised.
Finland to procure its first own satellites for defence
Finland’s Ministry of Defence and Iceye Oy have signed a letter of intent that allows Finland to procure Iceye synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites.
Statement regarding NATO’s Forward Land Forces in Finland
Forward Land Forces Finland is an important part of NATO’s deterrence and defence posture on the Northern Flank and a strong expression of Allied unity and solidarity.
Denmark, France, Iceland, Norway and United Kingdom to contribute to NATO Forward Land Forces in Finland
Denmark, France, Iceland, Norway and United Kingdom will take part in developing the presence of NATO’s Forward Land Forces (FLF) in Finland. NATO defence ministers announced the contribution during the NATO Summit working dinner in defence ministers’ session on 24 June 2025.
Finland prepared to host NATO Innovation Range
Finland’s Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen signed a letter of intent concerning cooperation on fielding NATO Innovation Ranges at the NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum in The Hague on Tuesday 24 June 2025. The letter of intent was also signed by Estonia, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands and Sweden.
Finnish Defence Forces to procure firefighting vehicles
The Finnish Defence Forces will procure fourteen fire engines and one foam tender from Scania Suomi Oy.
Appointments of generals
The President of the Republic has appointed Major General Mika Kalliomaa as Finland's Military Representative to the EU and NATO and Colonel Jaro Kesänen as Rector of the National Defence University. Kesänen is also appointed to the post of General for the term of 1 January 2026–31 August 2030.
Exports of defence materiel continued to grow in 2024
The Ministry of Defence has published a report on the exports of defence materiel in 2024. The report provides statistical data on both the granted export licences and actual exports.
Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark to participate in NATO MRTT air transport fleet
On Thursday 5 June 2025, the defence ministers of Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark signed a Letter of Intent on Participation in NATO’s Multi-Role Multinational Tanker Transport (MRTT) Fleet (MMF) at the meetings of NATO defence ministers.
Finland, Sweden, Norway, Lithuania, Estonia and the Netherlands look into joint procurement of armoured infantry fighting vehicles
Finland, Sweden, Norway, Lithuania, Estonia and the Netherlands signed a statement of intent on 5 June 2025 based on which they will look into and prepare a possible joint procurement of CV90 armoured infantry fighting vehicles.
Two negative decisions on real estate transactions
On 4 June 2025, Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen denied two prospective buyers from outside the EU and EEA permissions to buy real estates in Finland.
Defence Minister Häkkänen to attend meetings of Ukraine Defense Contact Group and NATO defence ministers in Brussels
Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen will attend a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) and a meeting of NATO defence ministers at NATO Headquarters in Brussels on 4–5 June 2025.
Minister of Defence Häkkänen decided on participation of Defence Forces in international training and exercises in 2026
Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen has decided on the participation of Finland’s Defence Forces in international training and exercises in 2026.
Finland to lead EU project on quantum technology for defence
Finland has proposed a project Quantum Enablers for Strategic Advantage (QUEST) for the sixth wave of projects under the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO).
Government decided on national model for host nation support
On 28 May 2025, the Government issued a resolution on the national model for host nation support.
Minister of Defence Häkkänen to visit Singapore
Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen will pay a working visit to Singapore on 30-31 May.
Finland to join NATO’s 2026 peacetime activities primarily in Baltic Sea, North Sea and North Atlantic
In its plenary session on 22 May 2025, the Finnish Government endorsed a report on the Finnish Defence Forces’ participation in NATO’s peacetime activities in 2026. The report was also submitted to Parliament.