Finnish defense company Patria and the Finnish Defence Forces (FDF) have renewed their strategic partnership agreement, reinforcing over a century of cooperation to ensure the long-term operational readiness of Finland’s defense systems, including military aviation, naval defense, and command systems.
A Deepened Defense Partnership
The renewed agreement, signed by Major General Tero Ylitalo, Chief of the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command, and Esa Rautalinko, President and CEO of Patria, strengthens collaboration to maintain critical defense capabilities throughout their entire lifecycle in all security situations — from peace to crisis.
Major General Ylitalo emphasized the importance of resilience and continuity in Finland’s defense structure, stating:
“To ensure continuity of operations in a changing environment is an important part of strategic partnership. The partnership agreement that has now been signed supports this objective.”
Technology Partnership for Future Capabilities
Under the renewed agreement, Patria and the Finnish Defence Forces will also pursue a technology partnership to accelerate innovation in defense technologies and operational solutions.
Esa Rautalinko noted that the inclusion of this new component marks a forward-looking step:
“Patria is committed to maintaining the operational readiness of the military equipment of the Finnish Defence Forces in the long term, both in times of peace and crisis. The agreement includes also, as a new component, a technology partnership, which enables the development of new capabilities in close cooperation with the Defence Forces.”
Over 100 Years of Defense Cooperation
Patria and the Finnish Defence Forces share a long-standing history of collaboration dating back more than a century. In the 2000s, the concept of strategic partnership was formalized to deepen cooperation between Finland’s armed forces and trusted defense industry partners.
This model ensures information exchange, joint service development, and preparedness planning across multiple readiness levels. It also includes a wartime economy agreement, guaranteeing the availability of personnel, facilities, and production capabilities under exceptional circumstances.
Securing Finland’s Defense Future
The partnership represents the deepest form of collaboration between the Finnish Defence Forces and any industrial partner, ensuring continuity of operations, technological advancement, and strategic resilience.
By combining Patria’s industrial expertise with the Finnish Defence Forces’ operational needs, Finland continues to strengthen its defense self-reliance and technological sovereignty amid evolving global security dynamics.
