In a significant move to bolster its military support for Ukraine, the Finnish Ministry of Defence has laid out a comprehensive 660-million-euro ($691 million) military assistance program. The initiative aims not only to provide crucial support to Ukraine but also to enhance the capabilities of the Finnish defense industry, as procurement for the program will be sourced from domestic companies.
Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen expressed that the new support program positions Finnish firms and their expertise at the forefront of aiding Ukraine. He highlighted the shift in Finland’s military support strategy, noting that previous assistance was largely focused on stock transfers. The forthcoming framework will significantly increase orders from local companies, reflecting a commitment to enhancing defense production capacity in Finland while simultaneously addressing Ukraine’s military needs.
The procurement process will be managed by the Logistics Department of the Finnish Defense Forces, ensuring that Ukraine’s critical requirements are prioritized. When considering potential suppliers, factors such as the product’s suitability for transfer, as well as the production and delivery capabilities of the companies involved, will be taken into account. The program is poised to deliver future material assistance packages directly to Ukraine, although specific timelines and the nature of the items to be acquired remain undisclosed.
The initiative is expected to culminate during the current legislative term, which extends until 2027, and deliveries are anticipated to span several years. Hakkanen mentioned that while the goal is to initiate deliveries as swiftly as possible, the timeline will be influenced by the responsiveness of Finnish companies in securing necessary raw materials and personnel.
In addition to this ambitious program, Finland is poised to transfer military equipment valued at around 400 million euros ($419 million) to Ukraine from its military stockpiles this spring. This impending transfer will elevate Finland’s total contribution to Ukraine to over one billion euros ($1.05 billion), reinforcing the country’s commitment to supporting its beleaguered neighbor.
Further discussions concerning the financial aspects of the program will take place in a forthcoming roundtable meeting with defense firms, as Finland seeks to solidify its support framework for Ukraine while fostering its national defense industry.
