Defence Forces and VTT strengthen their long-standing cooperation – aiming for stronger capabilities and improved security

VTT will offer the Finnish Defence Forces broad spectrum of research and high-level specialist services during the agreement period of 2026–2030. The goal of the cooperation is to produce topical and independent insights for planning, decision-making and development projects in the Defence Forces. The framework agreement covers services such as studies, pilots, modelling and simulations. Signed on 1 April 2026, the agreement also includes the option of extending it in five-year periods.

This cooperation bolsters research, development and innovation activities related to national military defence, which is a key element of national safety in Finland. At the same time, the agreement supports VTT’s statutory preparedness requirement and reinforces defence-critical specialist competence.

“We must be ready to act on land, at sea, in the air, in space, in the cyber world and in the information environment. That readiness requires a comprehensive situational awareness, fast decision-making and the development of new technological capabilities alongside already existing or upcoming ones. Our cooperation with VTT supports our aim of staying at the frontline of development”, says Chief of Defence, General Janne Jaakkola while on a visit at VTT.

VTT’s mission is to create impact through world-class technological expertise and to strengthen societal resilience as well as the economic development of companies and Finnish economy.

“We are committed to this important partnership. When expertise related to developing the Defence Forces’ performance is combined with VTT’s extensive technology portfolio and research competence, it creates a solid foundation for developing new, modern solutions. This cooperation creates the prerequisites for even more extensive ecosystem development where Finnish partners and industry could be involved in promoting Finnish safety, security of supply and growth”, says VTT President and CEO Kalle Härkki.

“This partnership reinforces VTT’s and the Defence Forces’ shared ability to develop defence-related preparedness in Finland and promote the development of defence and dual-use technologies. At the same time, it supports Finnish expertise and industry in a situation where the security environment poses new, rapidly developing requirements”, says Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto.