Helsinki and Stockholm expand cooperation on NATO’s eastern flank
Finland and Sweden have agreed to intensify military cooperation, with a particular focus on strengthening Finland’s ability to detect and counter drones. The decision comes amid a series of recent aerial incursions and heightened tensions linked to Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Helsinki said the agreement demonstrates the two Nordic countries’ ability to act together and assume greater responsibility for regional security and the security of NATO’s eastern flank.
Finnish Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen said existing air and maritime cooperation remained an essential part of the bilateral partnership. He added that the next stage would focus on territorial surveillance and protecting national territorial integrity.
Gripen aircraft and Swedish warships could be deployed to Finland
Finnish authorities did not disclose how the country’s national counter-drone capabilities would be improved or provide details of any new commitments made by Stockholm.
However, Sweden has reportedly approved a Finnish request to deploy aircraft — including Gripen fighter jets — and naval vessels to Finland in the near term, close to the Finnish-Russian border.
The Swedish forces are expected to help patrol areas considered vulnerable or high-risk, strengthening surveillance of the region’s airspace and maritime approaches.
Alexander Stubb: “Together we are stronger”
Finnish President Alexander Stubb welcomed the expansion of bilateral cooperation and highlighted the mutual trust between the two countries.
“We trust one another, and together we are stronger,” the Finnish president said.
His statement reflects shared concerns in Helsinki and Stockholm over the deteriorating security environment in northern Europe, particularly near Finland’s border with Russia.
Aerial incidents prompt Finnish fighter deployments
Finland has faced several aerial incidents in recent months that authorities believe may be connected to the wider consequences of the war in Ukraine.
One incident involved a suspected drone entering Finnish airspace. As a precautionary measure, F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets were scrambled to monitor the area around Helsinki and the Gulf of Finland.
At the time, President Stubb said Finland was not facing a direct military threat.
Helsinki allocates more than €50 million for counter-drone systems
The Finnish government has included significant funding for new counter-drone capabilities in this year’s supplementary budget.
The total allocation amounts to €50.2 million, equivalent to approximately $58.3 million. Of that sum, €44 million has been earmarked for the Finnish Border Guard, while the remainder will be assigned to the police.
The investment is intended to improve Finland’s ability to detect, track and neutralize drones that could violate national airspace or threaten critical infrastructure and national security.
Nordic defence cooperation also expands into unmanned systems
At the same time, the defence industry is promoting new aerial platforms for surveillance and military operations.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems is developing MQ-9B aircraft and platforms from the Gambit series as part of a European production initiative carried out with partners based on the continent. The company expects the first aircraft available for international procurement to enter the market from 2027 onward.
