Gerard O'Dwyer

With Sweden and Finland poised to join NATO, plans for a combined air force capability to defend the region’s skies are picking up steam.

A Nordic cluster within NATO remains the goal, but questions remain about the alignment to North America or Europe when it comes to the High North.

The mergers and acquisitions are taking place as Sweden seeks NATO membership, and neighboring Finland this year joined the alliance.

The expected budget increases Finland’s defense spending to 2.3% of its gross domestic product, lifting it above NATO’s 2% goal for member states.

The project is linked to the $9.6 billion jet procurement contract reached between Finland and the American company Lockheed Martin in February 2022.

A critical feature in the LTDP raises spending and financial benefits across all branches of the Norwegian Defense Forces.

The Nordic Investment Bank could extend its lending activities to the defense sector because “the world has changed,” said the bank’s chief executive.

Officials in Helsinki aim to have a list of proposed measures in hand later this year for filling the country’s NATO membership with life.

Helsinki's accession to the defense alliance has bolstered growth among startups, namely those with civilian and defense portfolios.

As a new member of NATO and amid Russia's war against Ukraine, Finland is recalibrating its defense posture.