Martti Wallin appointed as Chairman of the Board of the Association of Finnish Defence and Aerospace Industries

The Association of Finnish Defence and Aerospace Industries (AFDA) appointed Martti Wallin, President of Patria's Aviation business unit, as the new Chairman of the association’s Board on 8 January 2019. The AFDA Board has 11 members who represent defence and aerospace businesses of different sizes. The Board’s secretary is AFDA’s Secretary-General Tuija Karanko. Pasi Niinikoski, Patria’s Chief Business Development Officer, was appointed as Chairman of AFDA’s Strategy Group.

AFDA plays an important role in enabling the success of Finnish defence, aerospace and security industries. Finland is known as a producer of state-of-the-art defence, aerospace and security technology. Approximately 15% of the turnover of AFDA’s members is spent on product development, and most members have international ties. Patria is AFDA’s biggest member.

“Finnish defence and aerospace businesses invest heavily in technology and product development, and many of our products and services are also exported. The Finnish Defence Forces’ big projects provide defence and aerospace businesses with new ways to contribute to maintaining our national equipment and security of supply as well as an opportunity to partner with foreign system suppliers”, Wallin explains. European defence initiatives, such as the European Defence Fund, are also high on AFDA’s agenda.

More information: Martti Wallin, President, Patria's Aviation business unit, tel. +358 40 869 2016, [email protected]