Finland and Sweden have signed a joint framework agreement with Bittium Wireless Oy regarding tactical command systems. The agreement was signed on 5 November in Tampere (southern Finland) by Finland's Chief of Logistics, Major General Tero Ylitalo, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration's (FMV) Deputy Head of Department Johan Andersson, and Bittium's Business Area Director Tommi Kangas.
According to Bittium's press release, the framework agreement includes, among other things, the software-defined radio Bittium Tough SDR, the tactical network Bittium Tactical Wireless IP Network, security software, and encrypted phones. These systems have been developed in collaboration with the Finnish Defence Forces and are currently used in several European countries.
In the press release from the Defence Forces Logistics Command (Puolustusvoimien logistiikkalaitos), it is stated that the framework agreement enables joint product development and procurement between Finland and Sweden, and that Norway and Denmark can also join. The aim is to achieve a common situational awareness, interoperability, and effective decision support for command in all operational domains.
– This is a step towards even closer Nordic defence cooperation, says Major General Tero Ylitalo in Bittium's press release. Tommi Kangas adds that joint solutions strengthen interoperability and that the company is ready to expand cooperation with other Nordic countries as well.
The agreement is valid for ten years with automatic extension one year at a time.