Minister of Defence in Tampere: "This region ranks among Finland’s best in defence technology"

The Tampere region ranks among Finland’s leading hubs in defence and dual-use technologies, says Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen. Growth is driven by companies’ international expansion and new entrants.

Text & photos: Petri Kangas / Business Tampere

Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen (NCP), who visited companies in the Tampere region, says the area stands out in dual-use and defence technologies.

“Without any flattery, Tampere is among the very best in Finland when it comes to defence technology,” Häkkänen says.

Häkkänen met with business representatives at Business Tampere’s premises on Kalevantie on Monday.

According to the minister, Ukraine is a natural cooperation market for companies.

“If Ukrainians are satisfied, the product definitely works. I know that Finnish technology is trusted. Companies should offer all stages of development, from prototypes to finished products,” Häkkänen said.

Ukrainian companies establishing presence

Business Tampere CEO Harri Ojala said that the security and defence sectors are at the top of our priorities.

Ojala noted that the first Ukrainian companies have already established themselves in the Tampere region, such as Sine Engineering. The company develops communication and positioning solutions for drones in electronically contested environments.

“We value the talent and new ways of working these companies bring. We organise and participate in international events and networks, and companies can access them through us,” Ojala says.

Rector of Tampere University, Keijo Hämäläinen.

Strong foothold

About half a dozen companies took part in the meeting.

FYC, based in Pirkkala, manufactures and supplies composite products for the defence and security sector.

CEO Sanna Aho said that both the company and the sector overall are doing well, with growth in sight.

Aho especially highlighted the availability of skilled workforce in the Pirkanmaa region.

Representatives from higher education institutions also attended the meeting. Tampere University President Keijo Hämäläinen said the region is well positioned to build a competence cluster in semiconductors, photonics, mobile machinery and the space economy.

“What happens when wars end? Many technologies, such as applications in space technology, are advancing rapidly right now,” Hämäläinen said.