The Savo Defence Network hosted a mini-expo at the Karkialampi garrison in Mikkeli, bringing together over 100 invited guests from Finland and abroad. The event featured 27 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge technologies and services to defence sector’s authorities and industry stakeholders. Demonstrations included situational awareness systems, heavy transport platforms, tactical vehicles, special packaging solutions, drones, and specialized boats.
The network, established in early 2024 and coordinated by the South Savo ELY Centre, now includes more than 50 member companies with a combined turnover exceeding 550 million euros. Its mission is to strengthen the position of regional companies in international markets and enable participation in large-scale public procurement projects that would be difficult to access individually.
The event also attracted around 20 international experts from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Hungary, who were seeking solutions for NATO and U.S. base requirements. The network has already achieved notable successes, including orders from the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Norwegian and Swedish Armed Forces, as well as securing innovation funding through NATO’s DIANA accelerator.
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