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Finland must maintain long-term defense cooperation with Israel, Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen said on Monday, as military ties with the country face criticism and restrictions in parts of Europe.
According to a statement from Finland’s Defense Ministry, Hakkanen said Israeli weapons systems acquired in recent years were central to Finland’s defense capability. He cited the David’s Sling air defense system, Gabriel 5 missiles and Spike anti-tank missiles.
Long-term support ties
Hakkanen said the purchases also require a lasting relationship with Israeli suppliers for spare parts, software updates, training and technical support.
“This fact binds us to cooperation with Israel, whether we like it or not,” he said.
European debate over military ties
His comments came amid a broader European debate over defense cooperation with Israel. Human rights groups have called on governments to stop arms transfers to Israel, warning that continued supplies could enable violations of international law in Gaza.
Spain has tightened restrictions on arms trade with Israel, while Italy suspended the automatic renewal of a defense cooperation agreement earlier this year.
Hakkanen said Israel was listed alongside the United States and South Korea as a key defense materiel partner in Finland’s 2024 Defense Report. He added that, among Finland’s parliamentary parties, only the Left Alliance opposed cooperation with Israel.
