As the defence and security landscape changes faster than ever, resilience depends on innovation. At VTT, we bring together decades of scientific expertise and cutting-edge research infrastructure to help defence organisations and companies build smarter, more secure systems. Together, we anticipate future needs, accelerate innovation and turn emerging technologies into practical solutions that protect societies.
Key facts
Defence technologies are evolving faster than ever. Rapid advances in AI, autonomy, connectivity and sensing demand faster development cycles and rapid responses.
VTT provides end-to-end support for developing and validating new defence capabilities, from cutting-edge research and secure facilities to specialised infrastructures and dual-use innovation ecosystems.
With applied research capabilities, deep defence-sector insight and facility security clearance, we help you reduce development risks and bring practical solutions into operational use quickly and reliably.
The accelerating race for technological advantage
The race for technological advantage is accelerating, with new breakthroughs constantly redefining the balance in defence. Rapid developments in AI, autonomy, communications and unmanned systems are changing the very foundations of security. Each breakthrough triggers new demands and responses, creating an ongoing cycle of measure and counter-measure. As civilian technologies find their way into defence, they open opportunities for both established industry players and new entrants.
In this environment, it is essential to stay at the forefront of technological development and to respond rapidly as new needs emerge.
Turning technology into defence capability
VTT helps defence organisations accelerate development, optimise quality and achieve cost-efficient results. With decades of research and technology expertise and a deep understanding of the defence sector, we support both established partners and new technology entrants to the market. We know how to operate within the defence ecosystem and how to turn emerging technologies into practical, deployable solutions that strengthen capability and resilience.
By working with us, you:
reduce development risks
shorten innovation cycles
gain access to word-class expertise and infrastructures.
VTT has a facility security clearance, allowing us to handle both physical and digital classified information in compliance with national and international security requirements.
Our expertise in defence solutions
Our expertise spans the critical technology fields that strengthen capabilities and resilience.
Next-generation defence technologies
We develop advanced sensing, imaging and data-driven solutions to strengthen situational awareness, decision-making and operational capabilities.
Secure communications and connectivity
From quantum-safe encryption to resilient networks, our research ensures secure, uninterrupted information flows in mission-critical environments.
Dual-use innovation
Civilian technologies such as microelectronics, photonics and AI are rapidly transforming defence. We help adapt, integrate and scale these technologies for security-critical applications.
Why work with VTT in defence solutions?
Whether you need secure communications, advanced sensing technologies or strategic research collaboration, VTT provides the expertise to make it happen. Together, we can turn science into solutions that protect societies and create long-term resilience. Let’s build the future of defence together.
Trusted research partner
With more than 80 years of experience in applied science, VTT is a trusted partner for ministries, defence organisations, industry and international alliances. Founded in wartime Finland in 1942, VTT’s original mission was to advance defence technology and support national reconstruction. Since then, we have maintained a long-term partnership with the Finnish Defence Forces and contributed to numerous projects that directly enhance military operational capability.
International collaboration
Following Finland’s accession to NATO, VTT plays a growing role in European and transatlantic research programmes, supporting partners in accessing global networks and funding opportunities.
Innovation for resilience
Our work ranges from secure quantum networks to hyperspectral imaging in space missions, helping address both national defence and global security challenges. Working with us, you gain access to wide-ranging expertise under one roof, from cutting-edge research and testing infrastructures to strong industry networks, innovation ecosystems and deep business insight.
Success stories
As part of Finland’s F-35 fighter programme, VTT works with Lockheed Martin and a consortium of leading Finnish universities to strengthen the country’s technological capabilities. VTT’s scope of high-level research and access to global partner networks is vital for the partnership.
VTT and Fintraffic carried out demanding beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) drone flights in Finland’s first drone corridor in U-Space airspace. The aim was to validate safe airspace integration and test the feasibility of unmanned drones operating under U-Space management, paving the way for societal use-cases such as infrastructure maintenance, logistics and emergency services.
How VTT supports defence innovation
Applied research
We develop and prototype new capabilities up to technology readiness level 6 (TRL 6) that are not available as commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) or military off-the-shelf (MOTS) solutions. Our applied research bridges the gap between scientific discovery and operational use, enabling defence actors to explore, test and validate emerging technologies safely and efficiently.
Testing and validation
With access to unique research facilities and full-scale pilot environments, we support the testing, simulation and validation of new defence technologies in realistic conditions. Our environments help both traditional defence actors and civilian technology companies turn their innovations into operationally proven capabilities. Some of our key infrastructure includes:
VTT Drone Test Center (DTC), located at Ouluzone, offers a comprehensive testing environment for unmanned systems operating on land, at sea and in the air.
Quantum technology infrastructure that enables research and development across quantum computing, communications and sensing. It provides the foundation for creating ultra-secure communication methods through quantum key distribution and developing quantum sensors capable of detecting even the weakest signals with exceptional accuracy.
Anechoic chambers for controlled, interference-free testing of radio frequency and electromagnetic systems.
Learn more about our technology infrastructures
Cooperative projects
We collaborate actively with industry partners and funding bodies to drive impactful research and development across the defence sector.
VTT's projects and ecosystems
Our work spans national and international defence networks, enabling deep collaboration across all defence domains: land, sea, air, cyber and space.
B2B collaboration with established and new defence industry partners, such as Lockheed Martin
USA Department of War projects
Partner with the Finnish Defence Forces
European Defence Fund projects
NATO NFPF member and DIANA coordinator
Digital Defence Ecosystem DDE chair
Numerous ongoing EDF projects with major European Defence primes, focusing on future combat vehicles, C2 systems, Cyber, SitAw, UAS and counter-UAS, comms, space and AI / ML
Development of quantum-secure networks with Finnish operators to ensure future-proof data protection
Advancing the F-35 programme with technologies that strengthen Finland’s security and support global defence cooperation
US DoW SSO projects (Secretariat for Special Operations, previously known as Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate) in, for example, decontamination and threat detection
Conducting collaborative defence research through NATO’s DIANA test centre in Finland
How to work with us
We are happy to collaborate with you from the initial idea to implementation, or anywhere in between. Following an initial assessment, we can offer a range of options:
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Customised partnership
Every research case is unique, and we’re happy to tailor our services to your needs. We’ll take you from an early concept to a tested and validated solution smoothly and efficiently.
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Cooperative project
We frequently participate in research and development projects with multiple business partners and funding agencies. In cooperative projects, the risk is split between multiple organisations, and everyone benefits from the results.
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Our networks and ecosystems at your disposal
You can benefit from our extensive research and industry networks. We are happy to put you in touch with the ideal sparring and development partners to support your goals.
