Defence policy cooperation among the Nordic countries
Government Communications Unit
Press release 278/2008
19.9.2008
On Friday, 19 September, the President of the Republic and the Cabinet Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed plans for taking Nordic defence policy cooperation forward and Finland’s participation in an initiative concerning the availability of helicopters in crisis management.
The meeting decided to continue to determine the development possibilities of Nordic defence cooperation and to identify the cooperation projects that are suitable for Finland.
The arrangement called Nordic Supportive Defence Structures (NORDSUP) aims to enhance Nordic cooperation in security and defence matters. The objective of the arrangement is to develop permanent long-term defence relations between similar countries. Broad-based collaboration in areas such as basic and support functions, development of structures and procurement supports national defence capabilities. Harmonisation of plans and methods enhances interoperability of forces and their international crisis management capabilities. In the long run, far-reaching and growing cooperation in troop production, the development of capabilities and cooperation in operations releases resources for national functions.
According to a survey on concrete cooperation options launched on the initiative of the commanders of the Norwegian, Swedish and Finnish defence forces, Nordic cooperation in the field of capabilities maintenance and development can be easily established. The report estimates that around 40 of the 140 cooperation areas can be launched by the end of 2009. Next year, Finland will hold the chairmanship of the overall Nordic cooperation in security and defence related matters after Denmark.
The meeting also discussed Finland’s participation in a joint initiative launched by the EU and NATO to improve the availability of helicopters in international crisis management operations. Helicopter shortage is a major deficiency in capabilities.
The European Defence Agency EDA focuses on helicopter aircrew training and maintenance and modernisation projects. A multinational project fund has been found within the framework of NATO. Most EU Member States have announced their participation in the project at this point.
Finland intends to contribute to the fund established for the purposes of this initiative. In 2008, Finland's contribution would be EUR 500,000. Finland also examines the possibility of providing some small-scale expert assistance.
Further information: Pilvi-Sisko Vierros, Director General, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 9 1605 5032 and Helena Partanen, Director of Unit, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 9 1608 8135