Finland and Israel Sign 10-Year Defense Cooperation Deal

HELSINKI, Finland – Finland and Israel have quietly signed a new agreement to work together on defense equipment for the next ten years, according to Finnish news reports.

Finland proposed extending the cooperation in early 2024. The agreement is now valid until 2034. Previously, such deals were only signed for five years at a time.

The memorandum of understanding covers research, development, and purchases of military products. It was first created in 2013 and was about to expire.

Israel Praises the Partnership

An Israeli defense official called Finland "Israel's gateway to NATO and the European market". The two countries have already set up a joint coordination group that will meet at least once a year.

Finland's Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen approved the agreement. He said there is nothing unusual about it, noting that Finland has similar cooperation documents with 40 other countries. "Israel has long been one of them," he said.

Background of Cooperation

Finland and Israel have worked together on defense for many years. In 2023, Finland decided to buy Israel's David's Sling missile defense system for over €300 million. Earlier this year, Helsinki signed another agreement to buy Israeli anti-aircraft missile systems worth more than €300 million.

In May 2026, a large group of 32 Israeli defense companies visited Helsinki for a defense industry seminar. There are currently about 20 defense projects ongoing between the two countries.

Criticism at Home

The agreement was signed quietly, and the Defense Ministry did not inform the public. This has led to criticism from opposition parties in Finland, who are calling for more transparency. Some critics have pointed out that Finland proposed the extension at the same time as Israel was occupying Gaza.

Despite the criticism, the Finnish government has defended the cooperation, saying it is a normal part of defense trade between countries.