At a military testing area in Finland, a Patria AMV armoured vehicle moves under remote control. The operators, however, are not sitting nearby. They are in Tokyo, roughly 7,800 kilometres away, steering the vehicle through a secure connection that brings together vehicle autonomy, 5G connectivity and real-time situational awareness.

The unmanned revolution has reshaped airpower at speed. It has not yet done the same on land. That gap defines the next contest. It is harder, slower and structurally misaligned with how European defence procurement still works. With larger vehicles, the shift will begin by upgrading existing armoured platforms with added unmanned capabilities.

Following thorough preparations, Patria has begun assembling the F-35 fighter forward fuselages and engines and is manufacturing structural components. The programme is progressing as planned.

A vast border and prickly past with its biggest neighbour means that Finland has long had to be ahead of the curve with its preparedness planning. Now, Europe is looking north and seeking inspiration for its resilience and readiness.