Finland and Ukraine sign defense agreement for drone production

Finland and Ukraine have signed a defense cooperation agreement to enhance security ties and industrial collaboration. The agreement, signed by Presidents Alexander Stubb and Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the United Nations headquarters in New York, focuses on the joint production of drones and other defense equipment.

The pact facilitates the transfer of technology, expertise, and information between the two nations. It also encourages research, development, and innovation projects, as well as industrial joint ventures between Finnish and Ukrainian companies. To ensure efficiency, the agreement aims to streamline administrative processes, such as export licensing for defense technologies.

President Stubb noted that approximately 90 percent of drones manufactured in Finland under this cooperation are expected to be sent to Ukraine. The agreement provides a framework for companies to negotiate production contracts rather than transferring direct government funding. Finnish officials emphasized that the partnership allows Finland to learn from Ukraine’s combat experiences to strengthen its own defense capabilities and prepare for modern, technology-driven warfare.