Defence industry was discussed at the Finnish-Norwegian economic seminar

The Ministry of Defence of Finland took part in the economic seminar at Wanha Satama in Helsinki on 7.9.2016, held in connection with the state visit by Norway’s royal couple. One of the topics of the seminar was defence cooperation between Finland and Norway and its impact on the defence industry.

Nordic defence cooperation has a long history and bilateral cooperation between Finland and Norway is on a sound contractual basis. Furthermore, the ministries of defence in the two countries have actively searched for new forms of cooperation. According to Director General Raimo Jyväsjärvi, there is a strong will in both countries to benefit from the other’s competences and resources.

“The goal in Finnish-Norwegian cooperation is not only to improve defence capabilities but also to mutually support the national security of supply as well as economic and technical interests. At the same time the competitive edge of the defence industry in both Finland and Norway can be strengthened,” Director General Jyväsjärvi noted in his speech.

The defence company Patria was taken as an example; in March 2016 the State of Finland sold the minority share of Patria to the Norwegian Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS. The transaction is believed to bolster Patria’s position on international markets.

The President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö and Mrs Jenni Haukio alongside King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway were among those who took part in the broad-based economic seminar.



The seminar was organized by Innovation Norway. While promoting regional development and the innovative approach of companies in Norway it also aims at raising Norway’s profile abroad.

For more information on the content of the seminar, contact Senior Staff Officer Jarmo Säkkinen, tel. +358 295 140 415.

Return to headlines