Finnish defence firm to manufacture unmanned ground vehicle platforms for Nordic and Baltic markets
A mining equipment company in northern Finland plans to begin producing platforms for unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) by the end of this year, using technology developed by a Ukrainian partner, Finnish public broadcaster Yle reports.
New Paakkola, based in Tervola, has signed a letter of intent with Ukrainian firm Remtecnology and Finnish investors to manufacture UGV platforms adapted for Nordic and Baltic conditions. The vehicles—referred to as “maadroons” (ground drones) in Ukraine—are remotely operated systems used for tasks such as transporting supplies, evacuating wounded soldiers, or deploying explosives.
The Ukrainian partner provides both the core technology and operational expertise gained from two years of combat use against Russian forces. Ukrainian media have documented cases where UGVs equipped with machine guns ambushed Russian tanks or destroyed bunkers with attached explosives. In January, reports emerged of a Ukrainian UGV operating continuously on the front lines for six weeks.
While the technology originates in Ukraine, the joint venture will focus on modifying the platforms for Arctic environments. “We need to adapt them to our terrain—snow, extreme cold, and forested, hilly landscapes that differ from Ukraine’s open fields,” said New Paakkola CEO Tommi Juntikka. Production will take place at an undisclosed secure location in Finland using vetted personnel with security clearances.
The project remains in its early stages, with no commercial contracts yet finalised. Juntikka noted that regulatory hurdles—including export controls and defence procurement agreements between Finland and Ukraine—add complexity. However, he described broader European interest in UGVs as “growing rapidly.”
Finland’s defence industry association confirms that civilian firms, particularly those with mining or heavy equipment experience, are increasingly entering the defence sector. “This isn’t new, but the surge in demand has made it more visible,” said Tuija Karanko, secretary general of the Finnish Security and Defence Industries Association. She cautioned that defence procurement cycles are “slow and bureaucratic,” as the end customer is typically a government entity.
At least one other Finnish company, technology firm Instan, is already collaborating with Ukrainian UGV manufacturer Tencore to develop Arctic-adapted systems. Ukraine itself plans to acquire 20,000 UGVs this year for frontline operations.