policy_strategy
Finland Establishes New Innovation Unit
The Finnish Defence Forces will establish a new innovation unit in 2026 to quickly identify and meet military needs. At the same time, a centre of excellence for artificial intelligence will be launched to work closely with the new innovation operations.
The Finnish Defence Forces (Puolustusvoimat) have initiated a coordinated innovation activity from the beginning of 2026 to more rapidly address new threats and build military capabilities. As part of this, a specific innovation unit is being established under the Defence Forces' research institute, while a new competence centre for artificial intelligence is starting its operations.
According to a press release from the Finnish Defence Forces, the new initiative is driven by rapid technological changes and recent years' war experiences. The goal is to identify internal needs and be able to implement new or modified solutions at short notice. This agile process is intended to complement the traditional, long-term planning of defence capabilities.
The innovation unit is planned to reach full operational level by 2026. It will serve as a practical link between the Defence Forces, industry, universities, and research institutes. The unit's primary role will be to coordinate networks and support suppliers in further developing technology for the national defence.
Alongside the innovation unit, the Defence Forces have also launched a competence centre for artificial intelligence, which NDS reported on at the end of last year. The centre aims to drive the use of AI to streamline operations and develop new methods, in line with the authority's current data and AI strategy.
The new AI centre will be geographically dispersed across the country, but the operational core has been established at the Command Systems School in Riihimäki (southern Finland). The two new units will work closely together in the future to strengthen the defence system.
FAQ
- Hur kommer den nya innovationsenheten att fungera inom den finska försvarsmakten?
- Den nya innovationsenheten kommer att fungera som en länk mellan försvarsmakten, industrin, universitet och forskningsinstitut. Enhetens primära roll är att samordna nätverk och stödja leverantörer i teknikutveckling. Detta sker för att stärka det nationella försvaret. Senast faktagranskad: 2026-02-24.
- Vad är syftet med det nya kompetenscentrumet för artificiell intelligens?
- Syftet med det nya kompetenscentrumet för artificiell intelligens är att driva på AI-användning för att effektivisera försvarsmaktens verksamhet. Centret arbetar enligt myndighetens data- och AI-strategi. Det är geografiskt utspritt men har sin kärna i Riihimäki. Senast faktagranskad: 2026-02-24.
- När planeras innovationsenheten att nå full verksamhetsnivå?
- Innovationsenheten planeras att nå full verksamhetsnivå under 2026. Den kommer att komplettera den traditionella, långsiktiga planeringen av försvarets förmågor. Detta sker genom att snabbt införa nya eller modifierade lösningar för att möta hotbilder. Senast faktagranskad: 2026-02-24.