Finland’s Defence Forces Partner with NestAI to Power Indigenous AI Advancement

In a move signalling a shift toward data-centric operations, the Finnish Defence Forces (FDF) announced on October 30, 2025, the launch of a new data and AI strategy and the commencement of cooperation with the AI-company NestAI, aimed at accelerating the development of domestic artificial-intelligence capabilities.

Under the strategy, the FDF is seeking to transition toward a command-and-control model rooted in “structural data” combined with the practical experience of its personnel. According to Lieutenant Colonel Jussi Tuovinen of the Defence Command’s C5 Division, this means greater use of proactive data processing, analytics-supported decision-making, and enhanced information and knowledge management. The wider goal: ensure the organisation remains resilient and operationally ready amid Europe’s evolving security environment and rapid technological change.

Cooperation with NestAI—backed byPostScriptumDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → and chaired by Peter SarlinDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →—targets development of intelligent unmanned systems, command-and-control systems and other defence-relevant AI tools. The FDF plans to establish an “AI Centre of Excellence” by early 2026 to bring together in-house expertise, industry partners and research networks in one hub.

General Janne Jaakkola, Chief of Defence, emphasised that by engaging with leading companies the FDF gains the “necessary competence and competitiveness” in what he described as a rapidly moving race. The statement implies that national defence is no longer only about hardware and personnel but increasingly about information, knowledge flows and digital capability.

The strategy acknowledges that to keep pace with evolving threats the FDF must change working procedures and culture, not just upgrade systems. Training personnel, embedding facilitation intelligence and integrating developments rapidly are among the immediate priorities. For Finland, the approach reflects both a recognition of domestic technological sovereignty and a desire to build an ecosystem in which defence and industry co-develop solutions.

Source: Puolustusvoimat