Finland-Israel defense cooperation extension

Finland and Israel have extended their defense cooperation agreement for a ten-year period, lasting until 2034. While the memorandum of understanding was originally proposed in early 2024, the specific details regarding the extension were not made public by the Finnish Ministry of Defense until recently.

The agreement encompasses military procurement, research, development, and industrial cooperation. It covers approximately 20 current defense projects, including the acquisition and maintenance of systems such as the David’s Sling air defense system, Spike anti-tank missiles, and Gabriel anti-ship missiles. Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen noted that the agreement is not a dramatic policy shift, as Finland requires Israeli weapons maintenance and spare parts.

The decision has faced criticism from Finnish opposition parties, including the Green League and the Left Alliance. Critics have described the government’s policy as a “historical shame,” arguing that deepening long-term military ties is inappropriate given the ongoing conflict in Gaza and a perceived lack of political will to recognize Palestine.