Finland hosted a two-day defense industry seminar in Helsinki this week, welcoming a delegation of 32 Israeli defense companies led by the Israeli Defense Ministry. The event brought together about 30 Finnish firms and senior defense officials for business meetings, security briefings, and technology showcases focused on air defense, unmanned systems, border protection, cyber intelligence, and advanced munitions.

The seminar reflects deepening defense ties between the two countries. Finnish purchases of Israeli systems have grown from a few million dollars annually to hundreds of millions, including major acquisitions such as the David's Sling air defense system, Spike anti-tank missiles, and Gabriel anti-ship missiles. Around 20 joint defense projects are currently underway.

Interest at the seminar centered on air defense and counter-drone technologies, as Finland strengthens its security posture following its accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and amid rising regional tensions with Russia. Despite public protests and political opposition linked to the war in Gaza, Finland's parliament recently rejected a citizens' initiative to restrict arms purchases from Israel, citing concerns over national defense readiness.