Full Breakdown
Finland Extends Decade-Long Defense Cooperation with Israel Amid Political Backlash
8/30/2026, 10:27:09 PM
Core Agreement Extension
Finland and Israel have signed a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) that prolongs bilateral defense cooperation for ten years, running until 2034. The MoU covers joint research, development and procurement of military equipment and establishes a joint coordination group that will meet at least once a year. The agreement was approved by Finnish Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen in early 2024 and was not announced publicly by the Finnish Ministry of Defence.
Background & Context
The partnership began with an MoU in 2013, which was renewed for five years in 2019. Finland’s accession to NATO in 2023 heightened the strategic value of the relationship for Israel’s defence industry. Prior purchases include the David’s Sling air-defence system (procured in 2023 for roughly €317 million) and Spike anti-tank missiles (2022, €213 million). The latest extension replaces the previous five-year renewals with a single decade-long framework.
Data & Statistics
- Projects in progress: sources report either 23 projects (Finnish media) or about 20 projects (Israeli reporting).
- Major acquisitions:
- David’s Sling system – €316–€317 million (2023)
- Spike anti-tank missiles – €213 million (2022)
- Gabriel anti-ship missiles – €162 million (2018)
- Industry participation: dozens of Israeli firms (e.g., Rafael, Elbit, Israel Aerospace Industries) and roughly 30 Finnish defence companies attended a bilateral seminar in Helsinki in May 2024.
Official Statements & Responses
Finland’s defence minister argued the MoU is “standard practice” and noted that Finland maintains cooperation documents with about 40 countries, with Israel long-standing among them. He emphasized that the extension does not constitute a “dramatic new policy” but supports existing air-defence and procurement projects.
Israel’s Defence Ministry, represented by Maj-Gen. (res.) Amir Baram, accepted the Finnish proposal in a formal letter, expressing appreciation for the “fruitful cooperation” and looking forward to continued joint projects.
Criticism & Opposition
The extension has provoked sharp criticism from Finland’s left-wing parties. Green League chair Sofia Virta denounced the deal as a “historic shame,” arguing that the government deepened ties with Israel despite parliamentary calls for greater pressure over the Gaza conflict. Left Alliance chair Minja Koskela described the silence surrounding the agreement as “intolerably shameful” and accused the administration of ignoring public demands for reduced dependence on Israeli defence supplies.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When we demanded pressure on Israel, the government tightened cooperation. When we demanded that dependencies on Israel be reduced, the government deepened them,” — Sofia Virta, green league chair
- “When we demanded pressure on Israel, the government tightened cooperation,” — Green League
- “We have cooperation documents with 40 countries, and Israel has long been one of them,” — Antti Häkkänen, finnish defense minister
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact number of active defence projects: Finnish media cite 23 ongoing collaborations, while Israeli reporting mentions about 20. Details of the individual projects remain undisclosed, leaving the scope of technology transfer and joint development unclear.
What’s Next
The memorandum obliges the two nations to convene a joint coordination group at least annually. No specific future events or deadlines have been announced beyond the routine meetings stipulated in the agreement.
