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
Minister of Defence Häkkänen: A new TNT factory will be built in Finland
A new TNT factory will be built in Finland. Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen announced this on 31 January 2025. The factory will be located in Pori. The project's value exceeds 200 million euros.
Finland to send more defence materiel to Ukraine
Finland will deliver its 27th materiel assistance package to Ukraine. The President of the Republic decided on the matter on 31 January 2025 on the proposal of the Government.
Germany to join Finland-led CAVS Framework Agreement
Germany joins into Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) Framework Agreement which enables serial procurement of CAVS vehicles from Patria. The CAVS Framework Agreement has been previously entered between Finland, Sweden, and Latvia.
Nordic defence ministers to meet in Helsinki
Nordic defence ministers will meet in Helsinki on 30 January 2025.
Finland’s comprehensive security reinforced through new security strategy for society
The Finnish Government adopted a government resolution on the Security Strategy for Society at its plenary session on 16 January 2025. The Security Strategy for Society is the most important document guiding comprehensive security in Finland. It describes the concept for comprehensive security and assigns each branch of government strategic tasks to strengthen comprehensive security. Vital functions of society will be safeguarded in collaboration with the authorities, business community, organisations and citizens.
Esa Pulkkinen to continue as Permanent Secretary of Finland’s Ministry of Defence until 31 January 2026
On 16 January 2025, the Finnish Government decided to extend the appointment of Esa Pulkkinen, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, beyond his statutory age of retirement from 1 August 2025 to 31 January 2026.
Finnish Defence Forces to renew support and maintenance contract for KASI
Finland’s Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen has authorised the Finnish Defence Forces to sign a support and maintenance contract for the Two-sided Combat Simulator System (KASI) for 2025–2028 with the Swedish company Saab AB Training & Simulation.
NATO to strengthen its presence in Baltic Sea
NATO has decided to strengthen its ongoing surveillance and exercises in the Baltic Sea region, following recent damage to undersea cables.
Finland’s Minister of Defence Häkkänen to attend meeting of Ukraine Defense Contact Group at Ramstein Airbase
The Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) will meet at Ramstein Airbase in Germany on Thursday 9 January. Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen will represent Finland at the meeting.
Finland to chair Nordic Defence Cooperation in 2025
Finland will hold the chair of the Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO) from 1 January 2025 until the end of the year. In the rotating system, Finland took over the chair from Denmark.