Finland, Israel quietly extend defense agreement for 10 years
The agreement was signed in 2024, during the height of the war in Gaza, and despite strong criticism from Finnish opposition
Finland and Israel have quietly agreed to extend their defense cooperation agreement for ten years, a move set to last until 2034. The extension was proposed by Finland in early 2024, despite strong criticism due to the ongoing war in Gaza. The defense memorandum of understanding (MoU), previously valid until 2029, was initially drawn up in 2013.
The agreement includes research and development (R&D), procurement, and cooperation of defense equipment. Major Israeli companies already have a significant presence in Finland, with annual defense equipment purchases currently totaling hundreds of millions of dollars. The largest single acquisition was the David's Sling air defense system, purchased in 2023 for €316 million.
Finland, a recent NATO member, faces a menacing Russian neighbor and has suffered drone incursions. The extension of the MoU was criticized by the opposition, with Green League chair Sofia Virta calling it a "historic shame." The Finnish Defense Minister, Antti Häkkänen, defended the extension, stating it was standard practice and part of existing agreements.
As part of the MoU, Finland and Israel established a joint coordination group that meets annually to discuss bilateral defense ties. The last visit of the Finnish Defense Forces Commander, General Janne Jaakkola, who discussed evolving security and multi-layered air defenses, took place in Israel from August 3-6th.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
