Israel sends record defense delegation to Finland to strengthen security ties

The largest-ever Israeli defense delegation, consisting of 32 defense companies, visited Finland to sign potential new agreements and expand security ties. The delegation, organized by the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) International Defense Cooperation Directorate (SIBAT), included both Israeli defense giants like Elbit and Rafael, along with other established companies and start-ups.

The seminar, co-organized with the Finnish Ministry of Defense and the Finnish Defense and Aerospace Industries Association (PIA), brought together the Israeli delegation, led by the SIBAT director, Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Yair Kulas, with approximately 30 Finnish defense companies for two days of structured B2B matchmaking sessions, professional briefings, regional security updates, and innovation showcases.

The Israeli delegation spanned the full spectrum of Israel's defense sectoe, with particular focus on air defense, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and counter-UAS technologies, and border protection, alongside autonomous systems, advanced munitions, C2 and communications, electro-optical solutions, HLS and cyber intelligence.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, an IMOD official emphasized the close security ties with Finland, saying, “We have a wonderful relationship with the Finnish Defense Ministry and many joint projects.”

"We reviewed industrial projects. The Finnish military has 23 projects underway with Israel’s defense industry. For them, the meeting was not just about procurement, but also about learning from Israel’s military approach and hearing about future projects. Finland’s deputy chief of staff and head of procurement gave us a briefing on their equipment and procurement needs," the official explained.

The IMOD has continued efforts to expand Israel's defense exports and strengthen industrial cooperation with trusted partner nations. Finland has emerged as a key partner, with its defense industry offering advanced technological capabilities and a strong commitment to bilateral cooperation.

In addition to Israel's Elbit Systems and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the 32-company delegation included Israel Aerospace Industries, Aeronautics, CONTROP Precision Technologies, Gilat Satellite Network, Orbit Communication Systems, Uvision Air and XTEND Systems.

Earlier this month, Finland’s Parliament rejected an initiative to end arms trade with Israel following left-wing criticism from left-wing lawmakers over Israel’s conduct in the Hamas-initiated Gaza war. The Parliament’s Defense Committee concluded there was no justification for changing existing policy on military cooperation with Israel. It further warned that ending defense trade could undermine Finland’s own security capabilities.

Finland joined NATO in April 2023 amid Russia’s war in Ukraine and stepped up its investment in defense, announcing plans to acquire the Israeli-developed aerial defense system, David’s Sling.

At the time, then-Defense Minister Antti Kaikkonen emphasized the importance of the Israeli-produced aerial defense system and later signed a NIS 1.3 billion ($440 million) deal for David’s Sling.

Finland, which shares a long border with Russia, has increased its defense spending at a higher rate relative to some Scandinavian neighbors and other European countries.

With a population of less than six million, SIBAT views Finland as a key Nordic hub and potential NATO-standard production base, enabling Israeli firms to compete for NATO tenders and expand manufacturing in the region.

Finland’s close defense ties with Israel have also been accompanied by a greater understanding of Israel’s security concerns in the Middle East, alongside Helsinki’s decision not to formally recognize a Palestinian state at this stage.

In 2025, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said the government was “not currently preparing to recognize Palestine.” He stressed that Finland continues to support a two-state solution, adding that recognition could come “when the logical time will come,” in the context of a negotiated peace with Israel.