Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen stated that Finland will not provide Ukraine with additional air defense missiles, emphasizing that Helsinki cannot risk its own combat readiness amidst tensions with Russia.

Finland's Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen announced the purchase of an updated version of Saab's RBS 70 air defence system from Sweden, which will ensure protection for broader areas of Finland.

Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen has reassured the public that Finns can be 'quite calm' regarding Russia's armament and infrastructure building near the Finnish border, stating that Finland is well aware of the situation.

Finnish Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen stated that a Chinese corporate network attempted to purchase properties deemed critical to national security, citing 'dubious purposes' behind the acquisitions.

Finnish soldiers are reportedly exhausted by their workload and considering leaving the service, a situation acknowledged by Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen, who stated that more soldiers will be recruited.

Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen avoided questions regarding an Israel conference, while the secretary-general of the defense industry association emphasized the necessity of cooperation with Israeli industry.

US arms deliveries to Finland may be delayed, though Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen has not commented on specific shipments and the ministry has no confirmed information regarding the delays.

Nine candidates, including Pia Kauma, Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen, and MP Karoliina Partanen, have announced their bids for the vice-chair positions within Finland's National Coalition Party (Kokoomus).

Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen has expressed sympathy for a declaration prohibiting the placement of nuclear weapons, considering it an option for the foreign and security policy update report due in April.

The Finnish government is reportedly considering lifting restrictions on the transit of nuclear weapons through its territory. Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen is scheduled to be heard by parliamentary committees on the matter.

Russia Flexing Arctic Nuclear Muscle Along Finnish Border, Defense Minister Warns Arctic security is now central to Europe’s stability, Finland’s defense minister has said, warning that Russia is rebuilding Cold War–style military infrastructure along Finland’s border while fortifying its nuclear stronghold in the High North. He also made clear his view that United States military might is very much needed, at least in the short term. Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen said Moscow is doubling down on its Arctic posture: "Russia has most of their biggest strategic capabilities in nuclear, submarines, long-range bombers in the Kola Peninsula area," he stated in a fresh interview. Arctic rivals Washington & Moscow: The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Pasadena "They are building new military facilities along our border, same as the Cold War. It would be wise to watch the Arctic and build Arctic capabilities" for deterrence, Häkkänen continued. According to the publication he spoke to: The Kola Peninsula - a 100,000 square kilometer region in far northwestern Russia - hosts the majority of the country’s sea-based strategic nuclear arsenal, such as submarines, as well as long-range aviation assets. As for ongoing discussions within Europe to find an eventual alternative to the US nuclear umbrella, the Finnish defense chief explained his view that "In the longer term, it would be better that the Europeans have their strong capabilities." He added: "But in the short, and even mid-term, we need the US. It's crucial to European security." France and the UK offering to extend their nuclear deterrent across the continent is "good news" - Häkkänen conceded, but added that ultimately "That’s not the question now." Lately, Russia’s Foreign Ministry has sought to made clear that the Kremlin believes the Arctic should remain "a region of peace, dialogue and equal cooperation." The prior comment was issued related to the United States eyeing control over Greenland. A key part of the Trump administration's argument is that Russia and China threaten waters off Greenland - a view firmly rejected by both Moscow and Beijing. 🇷🇺🇬🇱🇺🇸 Lavrov: If Greenland is militarized against Russia, we will respond with appropriate countermeasures, including military-technical ones. The Arctic must remain a zone of peace. pic.twitter.com/2JtnrGS3fS February 11, 2026 President Trump has also claimed on the subject of Greenland that the large island is "vital" to his proposed Golden Dome air and missile defense system. But again, Russia is vowing it would respond if such significant assets were placed on Greenland. Tyler Durden Tue, 02/17/2026 - 02:45

Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen stated that Europe's biggest defense challenge is finding enough people to serve in the armed forces and strengthening public readiness to fight for their country.

Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen is reportedly positioning himself for a potential bid for the leadership of the Kokoomus party, though his status as a clear successor is uncertain.

Finland's Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen, 41, has declared his intention to win the summer fishing competition against Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.

Finnish Minister Antti Häkkänen revealed that a network of Chinese companies attempted to purchase properties deemed critical for national security, but the ministry denied permission for these transactions. The move underscores concerns over foreign ownership of strategic assets.

Finland's Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen stated that the country did not overreact to a suspected drone incursion on Friday, asserting that they were not "caught with our pants down."

Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen has expressed disapproval over Ukrainian drones reportedly ending up in Finland, stating that Finnish airspace must not be used for attacks against Russia.

Discussions are underway concerning the security of the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's potential influence, with Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen emphasizing the essential role of dialogue with the Americans.

Hormuzinsalmen auki pysyminen auttaisi myös Suomea, mutta operaatioon osallistuminen on Suomelle kaukainen asia, sanoo puolustusministeri Antti Häkkänen.

Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen announced that a new NATO command system unit will be established in Riihimäki, Finland, starting early next year.

Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen states that Iran's aid to Russia could be crippled, and the true strategy and goals of the United States are not yet known.

Finland has increased its readiness for drone defense, with Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen stating that Finns should prepare for continued drone incidents. Air and sea traffic in the Gulf of Finland were restricted today.

Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen has sought to reassure the public, stating that Finns do not need to be concerned about reports of a Russian military buildup at the Finnish border.

Karoliina Partanen was elected as the first deputy leader of Finland's National Coalition Party, surpassing Antti Häkkänen. The party also announced a shift in its stance, now advocating for abortion rights to be enshrined in the constitution.

Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen has issued 14 negative permit decisions concerning real estate purchases by foreigners, with affected properties located in areas such as Rovaniemi and Imatra.

A drone threat in Finland's Uusimaa region led to the cancellation of dozens of Finnair flights, with the Defense Minister confirming no visual contact was made with the drones. The incident also sparked public discussion regarding the communication of the threat.

A Finnish poll reveals that Antti Häkkänen is overwhelmingly the most popular choice for vice-chairman of the National Coalition Party (Kokoomus). The survey also indicates that party members prefer forming a government with the Centre Party.

Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen and Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson met in Rovaniemi during the Cold Response exercise to discuss nuclear weapons legislation.

Antti Häkkänen has announced he will not challenge Petteri Orpo for the leadership of the Kokoomus party, expressing his support for Orpo's continued leadership.