8.9.2025
Europe is undoubtedly ramping up its defence capabilities. However, in many countries necessary political decisions needed in order to achieve defence readiness are yet to be taken and should therefore be expedited. The state-of-play is now largely even worse than before the start of Russia's war of aggression. Defence supplies sent to Ukraine have depleted stocks while replenishing them is not following the same pace. Lack of forward-looking planning and even current data on national fleets remains a major challenge across Europe.
European countries closest to Russia have best understood the importance of strengthening defence capacity. In addition to Finland, Norway, the Baltic countries and Poland are prime examples of how to develop defence capabilities systematically. Sweden and Denmark followed suite and have increased their contributions significantly as well.
Importantly, cooperation – both nationally and internationally – remains crucial for the systematic development of European defence and the defence industry. Without binding joint procurement decisions underpinning a firm long-term perspective, the capital-intensive defence industry can not increase its production to the level required for a broader improvement in the security situation.
Importance of cooperation in the development of defence
Finland is a good example of seamless cooperation between the defence administration, the defence forces and the defence industry. In many other countries, such cooperation does not exist. As an important outcome of this, the Finnish defence industry has shown great resilience in crisis situations. Therefore, our level of activity in defence has remained high even when other EU countries have prioritised different matters.
European defence collaboration is one of the best and most productive ways to keep peace in Europe.
The war in Europe is driving long-term demand growth for defence materiel. Long-term plans and commitment together with continuous collaboration are needed to improve overall preparedness, but also to give the industry a much-needed security for investments.
We have already witnessed that joint European projects enhance European equipment acquisitions. European defence collaboration is one of the best and most productive ways to keep peace in Europe.
Europe is bolstering its defence industry
The European Commission has actively promoted European defence industrial readiness via the EU’s first ever defence industrial strategy, launched in spring 2024. In 2025, the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) and the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP) are two key EU initiatives aimed at bolstering the European defence industry and enhancing its capabilities. At the same time, the EU is rapidly boosting its defence capabilities through major R&D funding from the European Defence Fund (EDF), while simplifying and harmonising existing rules and regulations in order to establish a “defence-readiness” mindset via initiatives such as the Defence Readiness Omnibus.
Joint European projects enhancing European equipment acquisitions, such as the CAVS (Common Armoured Vehicle System) programme based on the Patria 6x6 vehicle, or the European Defence Fund’s R&D projects, such as FAMOUS (European Future Highly Mobile Augmented Armoured Systems), are great and tangible examples and success stories combining European collaboration and development of interchangeable equipment and performance.
Let’s think differently and act accordingly
Europe’s production capacity is still on a lower order of magnitude compared to the threats faced. The range of security challenges we must address is expanding every day, forcing us to think differently and act accordingly.
Innovation in defence is crucial for maintaining military effectiveness, technological superiority, and national security in the face of evolving threats. It enables the development of new technologies, enhances operational capabilities, and strengthens the defence industry's competitiveness.
Just as one single example, the war in Ukraine has highlighted the transformative role of drones in modern warfare, emphasizing the need for rapid innovation and robust counter-drone capabilities.
Defence innovation, technology and MRO are in Patria’s DNA
In the current situation, we at Patria have accelerated our efforts and will continue to do so. Defence innovation and technology drive us, from drones to our market-leading armoured vehicles and mortar systems, to completely new innovations such as Patria’s new tracked vehicle. It is also crucial to maintain essential military services (MRO, MLU and MLE) in both peace and crisis, powered by data and digital fleet management services.
Defence innovation and technology drive us, from drones to our market-leading armoured vehicles and mortar systems, to completely new innovations.
As Patria is a key part of Finland's security of supply, preparing for various crises and ensuring comprehensive security are always at the core of Patria's operations. We remain committed to enhancing our customers' defence capabilities with our market-leading products and services. When if is not an option.
Esa Rautalinko
President and CEO
Patria
This is the latest editorial from Patria Magazine, which will be published in its entirety later in the fall of 2025. Stay tuned!
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