Häkämies stresses, however, that any economic benefits would not eliminate the need to increase Finland's military budget. He also emphasises that possible increased cooperation would not mean that Finland would shoulder the financial burden of Swedish defence.
Sweden has been calling for extensive military cooperation among the Nordic Countries.
Its military mainly focuses on international operations, and funds for other projects are low. The country now wants to focus resources on collaboration with neighbours.
Sweden to Propose Collaboration Projects "It is important to look into all collaboration possibilities on land, sea and air," said the country's State Secretary to the Minister for Defence Hans Gustaf Wessberg. A report on possible collaboration projects with Nordic countries is expected soon from Sweden's military. In addition to a common sea surveillance between Finland and Sweden, the country is working on plans for shared air surveillance with Finland and Norway. Sweden also wants to combine resources for arms procurement and developing war equipment. It's also considering a shared training ground for all military branches. Wessberg said that training would be the main focus of collaboration with Finland. He also called for more educational exchanges, and has even hinted at joining the countries' national defence academies. YLE