Finland’s defence chief defends cooperation with Israel

Finland’s Defence Forces Commander Janne Jaakkola has defended defence cooperation with Israel, saying the partnership provides valuable information, Yle reported after interviewing him on Saturday.

Jaakkola said the relationship involves two main areas: defence procurement and the development of Finland’s defence capabilities. He said training, spare parts, security of supply and operational experience were as important as purchasing equipment.

“Even if we buy a system from there, it is only one part of the whole,” Jaakkola said. He described the operational experience linked to the David’s Sling system as extremely valuable to Finland.

Yle has reported that Finland and Israel have quietly signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in defence procurement. The agreement is intended to support cooperation on research, development and procurement of military products.

Jaakkola visited Israel at the beginning of August but said no arms deals were concluded during the trip. He said he familiarised himself with the system and with Israel’s air and missile defence arrangements, including population warning systems.

Jaakkola declined to comment on possible moral problems connected with cooperation with Israel. He said the events in the Middle East represented a major human tragedy, but that he would remain in his role and focus on developing Finland’s defence capabilities.

Finland and Sweden are also strengthening military cooperation. At Finland’s request, Sweden is helping monitor and secure Finland’s territorial integrity with JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets and a Visby-class corvette in the Baltic Sea region. Finland is leading the operation.