The Nordic defence ministers gathered on 12 November in Helsinki (capital of Finland) for this year's ministerial meeting within Nordefco (Nordic Defence Cooperation). According to a press release from Finland's Ministry of Defence, Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen highlighted the need to build a joint operational capability for the Nordic air forces, both in peacetime and during exceptional circumstances.
– The Nordic countries will have over 200 new generation fighter aircraft at the beginning of the next decade. However, work remains to enable cross-border joint and unified operations in all situations, says Häkkänen.
For the first time, the meeting also included the defence chiefs from all the Nordic countries, which according to the Finnish Ministry of Defence strengthens the strategic and military planning in the region. At the same time, it was decided that Nordic cooperation in ammunition production will be enhanced to strengthen supply preparedness.
The Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen emphasises the importance of operational cooperation, joint exercises, and coordinated materiel procurement.
– The meeting in Helsinki sends an important message that strengthened Nordic defence cooperation also benefits NATO's collective deterrence and defence, he says.
According to Norway's government press release, the ministers also discussed drone systems, regional defence planning, and military coordination. Norway's Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik highlighted Nordefco as a tool for NATO integration.
– By developing Nordic defence cooperation, we can contribute to a more robust and deterrent defence in our region, says Sandvik.
The meeting in Helsinki is held under Finland's chairmanship of Nordefco in 2025. Norway will take over the chairmanship at the turn of the year.