Finland Quietly Extends Defense Ties with Israel Through 2034
New 10-year memorandum covers David’s Sling and 23 potential military projects, drawing opposition in parliament
United States Missile Defense Agency - File:Dec., 2015 - David's Sling Weapons System Stunner Missile successfully completed a series of tests (1).jpg by United States Missile Defense Agency, נחלת הכלל, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=47283222
Finland has secretly extended its defense cooperation agreement with Israel until 2034. The agreement covers not only David’s Sling systems, but also military R&D, development and procurement.
Calcalist and news agencies report that the extension of the defense agreement gives Israel long-term access to a NATO member state, and has also prompted opposition in Finland’s parliament in Helsinki. Finland has signed a 10-year defense memorandum with Israel, according to Finnish public broadcaster YLE. The memorandum, which runs until 2034, replaces a previous defense agreement. Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen approved the new memorandum.
Shortly before the outbreak of the Gaza war in 2023, the government of former Prime Minister Sanna Marin approved the purchase of David’s Sling systems for $300 million, making Finland the first country to purchase the Rafael-developed system. The system is expected to become operational next year.
Finnish Chief of Defence General Janne Jaakkola told YLE that Finland needs an air defense system based on proven military capabilities, cost-effectiveness and suitability for the customer, and that the Israeli system met these criteria during the procurement process.
The system’s deployment in Finland will give Rafael an advantage as a supplier to a customer operating within NATO. According to the report, 23 military projects are currently under discussion between Finland and Israel, although no details have been disclosed. In May, a defense seminar was held in Helsinki with dozens of Israeli and Finnish companies participating.
Air defense is a critical issue for Finland, which shares a 1,300-kilometer border with Russia and fought a bloody war against the Soviet Union in 1939, following which it was forced to cede territory in the east of the country. To this day, concern about its eastern neighbor persists in Finland and among its population. Joining NATO was intended in part to strengthen the defense of the alliance’s eastern flank.