Yle reveals which Finnish firms attended controversial Israeli defence event (original) (raw)

Opposition politicians have sharply criticised Finland's decision to host the seminar in Helsinki, with MEP Li Andersson saying "such an event would be a major political scandal" anywhere else in Europe.

Screenshot from the event on the Israeli Ministry of Defense's website.

Screenshot from the event on the Israeli Ministry of Defense's website. Image: Israelin puolustusministeriö

A Finnish-Israeli defence seminar hosted in Helsinki last week has sparked controversy and criticism.

The second 'Finnish-Israeli Defense Industry Seminar' was organised by the Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMoD) and the International Defense Cooperation unit (SIBAT), and it was facilitated on the Finnish side by the Finnish Defence and Aerospace Industries (PIA).

According to Yle's information, about 30 defence industry companies from both countries participated in the two-day event.

A statement from the IMoD said the event formed part of its continued efforts to strengthen industrial partnerships with trusted partner nations, noting Finland "has distinguished itself as a steadfast and reliable partner".

Finnish Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen (NCP) said last year that the situation in Gaza would have no effect on Finland's arms trade with Israel.

War in Gaza has little impact on Finnish-Israeli relations

One of the Finnish companies that participated in the seminar was Helsinki-based Furuno Finland Oy, which has purchased sensors from Israel for security sector surveillance systems.

Tero Airissalo, director of sales and marketing at the firm, told Yle that Israeli sensors are superior in quality.

"Those who want the best buy from Israel," Airissalo said. "We go by performance in our acquisitions."

He added that the war in Gaza has not impacted the company's relationship with Israeli suppliers.

"Interaction with them has been exactly the same throughout, regardless of what has happened in the global situation," he said.

Another Finnish firm at the seminar, Tampere-based Insta Advance Oy, said it attended because the Finnish Defence Forces were also present.

The other companies contacted by Yle did not provide a representative for interview before the Finnish language article was published.

Israel "committing genocide in Gaza"

Finland's decision to host the event in Helsinki has been sharply criticised by opposition party politicians, as well as by MEPs.

Green Party parliamentary group vice-chair Saara Hyrkkö condemned the hosting of the seminar.

"This is a country that is committing genocide in Gaza, oppressing and killing Palestinians in the West Bank, waging a merciless war in Lebanon, and has enacted a death penalty law that applies only to Palestinians," Hyrkkö wrote.

Left Alliance MEP Li Andersson also questioned the decision in an Instagram post.

"This is such an incomprehensible decision and value choice in this day and age that I'm almost at a loss for words," Andersson wrote. "In almost anywhere else in Europe, such an event would be a major political scandal."