Swedish Armed Forces orders 5,000 pairs of skis from KSF Sport in Kitee, Finland

The Swedish Armed Forces has placed an order for 5,000 pairs of skis from KSF Sport, a ski manufacturer based in Kitee, Finland. This acquisition is facilitated through NATO’s logistics and procurement agency, NSPA. The skis are similar to those that the Finnish Armed Forces purchased over a year ago, which were also produced in Kitee.

Harri Kirvesniemi, the CEO of KSF Sport and a former elite skier, has disclosed that while he cannot reveal the exact price, it is a “seven-figure” sum. He emphasized that this order represents a significant proportion of the company’s revenue. Production of the skis began in September, following confirmation of the order, and the first batch of 1,000 pairs has already been delivered to the Swedish Armed Forces. The order is expected to be completed by the end of February.

In addition to the skis, the contract includes ski poles from Peltonen and bindings suitable for military boots, supplied by Kuusamon Uistin. KSF Sport is not hiring permanent staff for this order but has added a few temporary workers to assist with the binding process.

The skis developed by KSF Sport are particularly well-suited for snowy conditions, featuring a streamlined hourglass shape that enhances performance in deep snow. The pair, including bindings, weighs just over four kilograms, making them significantly lighter than older models used by the Finnish Army.

KSF Sport holds a framework agreement with NATO that extends until 2025, though Kirvesniemi stated there is no certainty regarding new orders at this time. He noted that similar conditions in North America could lead to potential buyers among NATO partner countries that conduct training in Finland and Sweden.