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Photo the Finnish Defence Forces.

Nordic defence cooperation

The Finnish Defence Forces work in close cooperation with the armed forces of other Nordic countries.

Nordic defence cooperation (NORDEFCO) aims to do the following:

  • improve cost efficiency
  • increase overall effectiveness
  • develop defence capabilities by creating a wider network.

The aim of Nordic defence cooperation is to identify new forms of cooperation that armed forces and political decision-makers could take up as initiatives.

Cooperation is based on regular meetings and correspondence. There are no permanent cooperation structures in place. At the political level, defence ministers, permanent secretaries and heads of defence policy departments usually meet twice a year. The chairmanship rotates annually.

Decision making

A decision to initiate cooperation is made within NORDEFCO, but actually taking part in the cooperation is always a national decision. Nordic defence cooperation is flexible and does not require each member state taking part in every project.

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