The initiative reflects a broader policy shift towards greater European responsibility for security and higher national defence budgets. The Nordic countries already account for roughly 10 per cent of NATO defence expenditure in Europe, placing the region among the continent’s four largest spenders.
Jyri Häkämies, a former Finnish defence minister who chairs the new track, said the companies were joining during a rapid expansion of European defence activity. “The commitment of these five leading companies in the Defence Track is a significant strengthening of the Nordic Compass alliance, at a moment of rapid acceleration in European defence efforts.”
The composition of the group links Saab, Kongsberg and Patria’s established military businesses with the digital infrastructure capabilities of Ericsson and Nokia. Nordic Compass expects this mix to support work across traditional defence systems, secure communications, artificial intelligence and autonomous technologies.
Mikko Hautala, Chief Geopolitical & Government Relations Officer and Chairman of Nokia Defence, said: “Defence is increasingly based on digital technologies alongside traditional military capabilities. Advances in connectivity, AI and autonomous systems are changing how nations build resilience and maintain their security.”
Ericsson sees 5G networks as part of the infrastructure required to connect modern military capabilities securely and at scale. President and Chief Executive Börje Ekholm said: “We look forward to contributing to the Nordic Compass alliance. 5G is becoming part of the digital backbone of modern defence, and Ericsson’s leading 5G capabilities will shape the needed trusted, scalable, and interoperable defence communications.”
Saab said the forum could provide a platform for growth and greater industry responsibility towards Europe’s security requirements. Patria emphasised the value of established Nordic cooperation, while Kongsberg linked closer cross-border industrial ties to stronger regional security and stability.
The Defence Track was launched alongside a high-level meeting in Helsinki. Representatives of all five companies are expected to meet Finnish President Alexander Stubb to discuss the role of industry in Nordic defence and security.
Nordic Compass was established on 12 May and now brings together 30 companies, foundations and organisations. Its first proposals covering defence, deep technology, capital markets and energy will be presented at the Nordic Compass Summit in Gothenburg on 4-5 November 2026.
