The war in Ukraine has collapsed the distance between theory and practice. For Western defence industry and armed forces, it has become a continuous stress test of doctrine, technology and industrial capacity. For Patria, the central lesson is not to imitate, but to understand, adapt and build systems that endure beyond the current cycle of battlefield innovation.

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.