Israel and Finland have secretly signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at expanding and strengthening defense cooperation between the two countries, with the agreement set to remain in effect through 2034.
The agreement was revealed by Finnish media following sharp criticism from local opposition figures.
The framework calls for closer coordination in the fields of research, development and the procurement of military equipment and systems.
According to Finland’s public broadcaster Yle, the original agreement was signed in 2013. The Finnish government initiated an extension in early 2024 and proposed an updated framework for the coming decade. Until now, the agreement had been renewed every five years, but this time the parties opted for a significantly longer term.
The closer ties come against the backdrop of a major procurement deal signed in November 2023, under which Finland purchased the David’s Sling missile defense system from Israeli defense contractor Rafael for approximately €317 million.
According to the report, the memorandum establishes a joint coordination group comprising representatives from both countries. The group will meet annually to discuss ways to advance bilateral defense ties.
Cooperation between the two countries’ defense industries also includes joint work between Finnish company Patria and Israel’s Rafael to integrate the Israeli Trophy active protection system onto Patria’s armored vehicles.