Finnish Defence Equipment Manufacturer Secures Largest Order in Company History from NATO Country

Finnish forest technology company Kesla has received an order worth approximately €17 million for its defence products from a NATO member state, marking the largest single contract in the company’s history, reports Yle.

The order, placed with Kesla’s subsidiary Kesla Defense, covers the delivery of Kerberos multi-purpose trailers designed for military engineering operations. The purchasing country and further contract details remain undisclosed.

Kesla CEO Pasi Nieminen described the deal as a landmark achievement, noting that 92 percent of the company’s production is domestic, ensuring significant economic benefits for Finland and the North Karelia region. “This is a major milestone for our employees and the local community,” Nieminen stated.

The Kerberos trailer, developed in collaboration with the Finnish Defence Forces, supports combat engineering tasks such as terrain obstruction, mine-laying, and transporting equipment across difficult terrain. The system includes a mine drill capable of deploying anti-tank mines through asphalt or frozen ground. Currently in active use by Finland’s military, the Kerberos is also undergoing trials in two other NATO countries.

The contract’s scale is substantial, representing nearly 40 percent of Kesla’s total 2024 revenue of €44.3 million. The company plans to hire up to ten new employees at its Kesälahti plant to meet production demands. Kesla currently employs 230 people across its facilities in Joensuu, Kesälahti, and Ilomantsi.

Nieminen indicated that the defence sector could become a key growth area for Kesla, which has faced market uncertainty and weak demand in its traditional forest technology segment. “We’ve started with Kerberos, but more defence applications may emerge this year,” he said.