Finland became a full member of the military alliance NATO on April 4, 2023. As I reflect on the events of a couple of years ago, I feel grateful that, in changing circumstances, Finland was decisively brought into the defense alliance, yet citizens were also given sufficient time to form their opinions.
Throughout history, Finland has understood the need for swift adaptability, when necessary, while also safeguarding the sense of unity among its citizens.
Foundations of Finland’s foreign and security policy before spring 2022
Before the end of February 2022, Finland’s foreign and security policy had long relied on several pillars, two of which were particularly central: an independent and credible defense capability, and functional and close bilateral relations with Russia.
This independent and credible defense capability meant that we were militarily non-aligned but developed our NATO partnership while preserving the option to apply for NATO membership if needed. Close bilateral relations with Russia were considered important in sectors essential for both Finland and the EU. (Government Report on Finnish Foreign and Security Policy 2020 and The Government’s Defence Policy Report.)
Finland’s accession to NATO
At the end of February 2022, when Russia escalated its war that began in 2014 by launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the pillars of Finland’s foreign and security policy suddenly shifted. Close bilateral relations with Russia broke off immediately, and the implementation of the NATO option became a critical issue.
When the foundations of foreign and security policy crumble, they create an unstable vacuum that must quickly be filled to ensure security. With the determined leadership of the Finnish government and officials, Finland proceeded toward full NATO membership and officially joined in April 2023. Finland strengthens NATO’s northern capabilities, thanks to our long-standing commitment to maintaining an independent and credible defense.
What if history had taken a different turn?
Finland’s swift accession to NATO succeeded, but let’s examine an alternative scenario. What if, in spring 2022, Russia had quickly achieved its objectives in Ukraine and regained near-full military capability in Belarus, on the borders of Poland and Lithuania within a few months? What kind of environment would we now be living in in Europe—and would we have even had time to join NATO under such circumstances?
When pondering this, our grateful thoughts turn to the brave Ukraine, which has been courageously and resolutely defending the stability, sovereignty, and independence of all European states for more than three years. The large-scale and brutal war in Ukraine continues. Ukraine needs our unwavering and growing support!
Maintaining peace requires a strong deterrent
We’ve now been NATO members for two years, but in recent months, we’ve noticed significant changes within NATO itself. In spring 2025, a pressing topic of discussion is whether the United States’ level of commitment to NATO is decreasing. This worrying question has triggered a reassessment of defense capabilities in Europe.
Finland’s defense capability is in better shape than in many European countries. We never dismantled the preparedness built during the Cold War, unlike many others in Europe. The necessity of military preparedness is now being recognized urgently across the continent, and that’s a positive development.
Maintaining peace requires the upkeep of a strong deterrent. Europe is now rearming rapidly, building this deterrent. At the same time, we must collectively ensure Ukraine receives sufficient and consistent support. Achieving all of this requires a shared direction and common goals: swift decisions from governments, procurement decisions from national defense forces, and readiness from the defense industry to respond to demand and invest in additional resources. Research and innovation must not be left out of this equation—they need to be seamlessly integrated into this chain.
Growing defense industry meets Europe’s security needs
The defense industry is undeniably a growth sector. The sharp increase in demand requires companies in the defense industry to be capable of making investments and working in seamless cooperation. To meet this demand, it’s essential that every part of the value chain functions smoothly. Cooperation is something we Finns are traditionally good at!
Among other Finnish defense industry companies, Mectalent is ready to support the sector’s growth, for example, by investing in expanding our production capacity.
Mectalent is a top expert in product development, demanding equipment manufacturing, and precision mechanics. We’ve been active in the defense industry for over 20 years, serving as a contract manufacturer for Finland’s most well-known defense companies. We have extensive design and production capabilities in precision mechanics and have been involved in manufacturing critical components, weapons system parts, and components for explosive production.
>> Read the blog: Precision parts are essential in defense systems manufacturing
The second post in this blog series will be published in a couple of weeks—stay tuned!
Aleksi Heikkilä
Defence Advisor
Mectalent Oy
Mectalent’s Defence Advisor Aleksi Heikkilä holds a Master’s degree in Military Sciences and has served in officer roles in the Finnish Defence Forces. In the business world, he has worked in security and the defense industry since 2015. Thanks to his career, Heikkilä has built an extensive network within defense industry companies, the Defence Forces, and Finland’s national emergency supply organization.
>> Read the second part of Aleksi Heikkilä's blog series:
Domestic defence industry plays a key role in Finland’s new defence approach
