Nordic nations join forces to boost drone capabilities
Four Nordic countries — Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark — have agreed to purchase new military drones and related systems jointly. The deal was signed in Helsinki on 22 October 2025, aiming to boost interoperability and reduce costs through shared procurement and training, according to a Finnish government statement.
The agreement builds on years of defense collaboration across the Nordic region, but this time, the four governments are looking to develop a unified approach to drone operations, including surveillance and logistics, as well as electronic warfare. The Air Force Technology report noted that shared procurement could also strengthen industrial cooperation and speed up innovation in drone technologies.
A key driver behind the initiative is the ongoing war in Ukraine. Nordic leaders have repeatedly said that modern conflicts demand better aerial intelligence and rapid-response capabilities. The new cooperation framework allows the countries to share lessons learned from Ukraine and pool resources to support Kyiv’s defense efforts. The Norwegian Intelligence Service described the agreement as a move toward “greater strategic flexibility and resilience” across the region.
At a practical level, the joint approach could simplify maintenance, standardize training, and reduce duplication in equipment purchases. Nordic defense ministries are already exploring whether to include both surveillance and combat drones in the shared procurement plan. The deal may also set a precedent for other European nations facing similar supply and coordination challenges.
Across Europe, the pace of defence procurement is picking up. Countries are racing to build drone fleets capable of performing reconnaissance, logistics, and combat missions, while persistent supply chain and regulatory bottlenecks persist. By acting together, Nordic countries could create a model for how smaller nations cooperate on advanced technologies without losing autonomy.
Meanwhile, Sweden has recently called on the European Union to simplify its drone procurement standards to make it easier for member states to share systems and data. The Nordic deal aligns with this to make Europe’s defense ecosystem more integrated and adaptable.
For now, the focus is on planning and assessment. Still, the Nordic countries are preparing for a more turbulent security environment by pooling their technological and industrial strengths. In a world where drones have become essential on the battlefield, working together may be the most innovative way to stay ahead.
Thanks for reading Dronefare. Follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in drone warfare.