Finnish Defence Forces and Patria Sign Strategic Partnership to Secure Long-Term Capabilities

Finland – [Publication Date] – The Finnish Defence Forces and Patria have signed a new strategic partnership to secure critical services and capabilities on a long-term basis. The agreement was signed by Patria President and CEO Esa Rautalinko and Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command Chief Major General Tero Ylitalo.

Agreement Marks Deepened Industry-Defence Cooperation

The strategic partnership is the “deepest form of cooperation” established between the Finnish Defence Forces and industry. According to the parties, the agreement is designed to ensure capability continuity and operational readiness in a changing security environment.

Major General Ylitalo underscored the purpose of the accord, 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,” Major General Tero Ylitalo said.

The partnership formalizes and expands long-running cooperation between Patria and the Finnish Defence Forces, a relationship that stretches back more than a century.

What the Strategic Partnership Covers

Finland has, since the early 2000s, developed strategic partnerships to combine military expertise with domestic industrial capability, improving readiness and cost-effectiveness across defence support functions. These arrangements typically cover:

• Materiel maintenance
• Logistics
• Command and control systems
• Information systems
• Training

In addition to service provision, the partnerships include comprehensive information exchange and close cooperation in the development of services, operating models, technologies, and new capabilities. Together, these agreements are integrated into Finland’s broader national defence system.

Context: Existing Partnerships and National Framework

Beyond Patria, the Finnish Defence Forces maintain strategic partnerships with multiple companies to safeguard key capabilities. Finland also sustains a training partnership with the National Defence Training Association of Finland (MPK), supporting reserve training and civil preparedness. Collectively, these networks are intended to bolster resilience, sustainment, and surge capacity during heightened demand.

Recent Procurement and Spending Outlook

In October 2024, the Finnish Defence Forces announced intentions to procure a new modular 120mm mortar system from Patria, underscoring the company’s role in the country’s capability development pipeline. The acquisition aligns with Finland’s ongoing efforts to modernise its indirect fire and support assets.

According to GlobalData’s “Finland Defence Market 2023-2028” report, the country is projected to spend a total of $37bn on defence during the 2024-28 period. This multi-year investment framework supports capability sustainment, readiness improvements, and integration of new systems across land, air, sea, and joint domains.

Why It Matters

• Continuity of operations: The partnership secures essential services over the long term, supporting readiness amid evolving security conditions.
• Industrial cooperation: Formalised collaboration leverages domestic industry to enhance cost-effectiveness and accelerate capability development.
• Whole-of-society defence: The agreement complements existing company partnerships and MPK training efforts within Finland’s national defence architecture.

Conclusion: Next Steps

The newly signed strategic partnership between the Finnish Defence Forces and Patria strengthens the foundation for long-term capability sustainment and development. As Finland advances procurement plans-such as the modular 120mm mortar system-and implements its $37bn defence spending program for 2024-28, the agreement is positioned to support continuous operations, streamlined maintenance, and the evolution of logistics, C2, and training across the force.