Finland's VTT and the Netherlands' TNO are deepening their collaboration in defence and dual-use technology. The partnership will encompass research projects supporting the needs of the Finnish and Dutch armed forces.
According to a press release from VTT, the parties have signed a letter of intent on expanded cooperation between VTT, Finland's state research institute, and TNO, the Netherlands' equivalent organisation for applied research. The initial research areas include drone solutions, counter-drone measures, sensor technology, underwater technology, advanced materials, and 6G technology.
"Expanding our defence collaboration is a strategic step that supports both countries' security and defence objectives and strengthens Europe's technological sovereignty," says Sauli Eloranta, Vice President Defence at VTT, in the press release.
According to VTT, the collaboration has already commenced at the company's drone test centre in Oulu (northern Finland), where joint tests have been conducted. Tests of that nature would not have been possible in the Netherlands due to stricter regulations.
"Our collaboration has already begun in practice at VTT's drone test centre in Finland, with joint tests that would not have been possible in the Netherlands due to strict regulations," says Louk Absil, Programme Director Defence, Safety & Security at TNO, in the press release.