Guest pen The acquisition of a fighter makes Finland a more attractive partner

Diplomacy is considered Finland’s first line of defense. The state leadership and Finnish diplomats strive to keep Finland away from conflicts that endanger our security and to resolve any disputes through negotiations.

Although much has been achieved in this way, speech alone is not enough. Finland has continued to build a credible defense capability wisely throughout the reigns.

The fighter acquisition decision made last week continues this line. Strengthening defense is particularly important now that Russia is moving forces within its borders and there is no certainty that they will remain there.

Fighters the procurement and tendering process can be considered successful as the bids of the candidates improved round by round. The open competition forced the price down, and it became clear to all parties that the project could not be influenced from the outside.

Although the Gripen offered by Sweden was not selected, Sweden also benefited from Finland’s decision. Finland’s defense capability will be further strengthened after the introduction of the F-35 fighter jet and will raise the threshold for armed pressure on Finland. That is an advantage for Sweden too.

Norway is also interested in choosing a fighter in Finland. Norway is already operating F-35s in the Arctic, which is becoming increasingly geopolitically important. Norway’s position and stability are also emphasized in US thinking. In the north, Norway acts as the eyes and ears of the United States and NATO towards Russia.

The F-35 acquisitions will further intensify Nordic defense co-operation, especially the operations of the Air Force and joint exercises between Finland and Norway. After the acquisitions, Finland, Norway and Denmark have a total of almost 150 F-35 fighters, more than the British Air Force.

To the United States The Nordic countries are proving to be attractive partners, especially in the Baltic Sea and the Arctic Ocean. Fighter acquisitions offer Finland an even greater role in this context – if Finland itself so wishes.

The United States is already benefiting from a partnership with Finland: Finland’s credible defense capabilities have reduced the need to increase troops in Northern Europe. Concerns raised during Donald Trump’s presidency about the United States’ weak commitment to Europe are waning. It seems important to Joe Biden for the United States to rebuild regional partnership networks that the country supports with its own capabilities.

Major The benefits of the fighter project are still in Finland itself. The F-35 is a weapons system that raises the threshold to put pressure on Finland militarily. Experts say the system will remain credible even as the Russians develop their own fighters.

Finland’s long-term goal has been to develop its defense capabilities in order to safeguard its own integrity and maintain regional stability. The acquisition of F-35 fighters will increase Finland’s room for maneuver and safety at a time when there is no oversupply of either.

The acquisition of fighter jets is also reflected in the importance of Finland in Northern European security policy. Finland’s agency and position are valued both in the West and in Russia, albeit for slightly different reasons. In the east, there is little desire to target signals to the use of armed force in the direction of Finland, and in the west there is a desire to intensify defense co-operation.

At the same time, diplomacy – a link of dialogue in both directions – operates at a level never seen before. Finland is heard and Finland is seen where it should be.

Any the weapons system alone does not guarantee Finland’s security. There are many non-military means to use pressure. Although many means of influencing Finland have already been prepared for, there is a risk.

Diplomacy is still Finland’s first line of defense. The Defense Forces is the last line of our diplomacy, the credibility of which is now being significantly strengthened.

Samu Paukkunen

The author is the Deputy Director of Administration at the Institute of Foreign Policy.

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