Finland and Israel Extend Secret Defense Cooperation Agreement Through 2034

Finland and Israel have secretly extended a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on defense cooperation, now set to remain in effect until 2034. The original agreement was signed in 2013, with Finland proposing the latest extension earlier in 2024. Previously, the agreement had been renewed in five-year increments, but this time it was extended by a decade. The MoU covers collaboration in research, development, and procurement of defense equipment between the two countries.

The most significant recent transaction under this cooperation occurred in November 2023, when Finland purchased the David’s Sling missile defense system from Rafael Advanced Defense Systems for approximately 317 million euros. David’s Sling is designed to intercept medium- to long-range rockets, cruise missiles, and other threats using a hit-to-kill mechanism. Developed jointly by Israel’s Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, the system provides an intermediate layer of defense between Israel’s Iron Dome and Arrow systems.

The Finnish media outlet Yle reported that the MoU also establishes a joint coordination group that meets annually to discuss bilateral security ties. The revelation of the secret agreement sparked criticism from Finnish opposition parties. Sofia Virta, leader of the Green League, called the government’s policy a "historic shame," arguing that Finland should increase pressure on Israel amid regional conflicts rather than deepen military ties. Defense Minister Antti Kaikkonen rejected these claims, noting that Finland maintains about 40 similar defense agreements worldwide.

Finnish defense industry cooperation with Israel also includes the integration of Israel’s Trophy active protection system on Finnish Patria AMV XP 8x8 armored vehicles. Trophy, operational since 2010, has been adopted by several countries and is known for its ability to detect and neutralize anti-tank missile threats while identifying the source of fire. Finnish Army Commander Jani Kuusela emphasized that Finland seeks defense systems that best meet its needs but declined to detail the extent of cooperation with Israel.

The secret extension of this defense partnership highlights ongoing strategic collaboration between Finland and Israel despite domestic political controversy in Finland.