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Finnish Defence Forces

The long-standing partnership between Digia and Defence Forces is now focusing on data-based decision making and the use of AI

The Finnish Defence Forces have been developing their digital capabilities with Digia in the long term. This partnership is built on trust, security of supply, and a deep understanding of the unique needs of critical infrastructure operators and the defence sector. The focus of digitalisation efforts is now shifting towards data-based decision making and harnessing the potential of AI – a development in which Digia plays a central role as a trusted partner of the Defence Forces.

 

In the defence sector, scalable and secure solutions that operate 24/7, even under exceptional circumstances, are of utmost importance. Digia has worked with the Finnish Defence Forces for over 20 years, bringing extensive experience in the development and maintenance of critical systems.

“The same trends that guide civilian operations also influence the Defence Forces. The explosive adoption of generative AI services and a data-based approach are shaping the digitalisation of the Defence Forces. From the perspective of defence and security actors, the war in Ukraine was a mega-scale event that led to Finland and Sweden joining NATO. The deteriorating security situation in Europe has, in turn, accelerated digitalisation within the Defence Forces,” summarises Tero Solante, Chief Digital Officer of the Finnish Defence Forces.

“The Defence Forces need partners and a broad ecosystem to support this ongoing transformation. Digia has been an indispensable, reliable key partner in advancing digitalisation. Its role is vital as we move towards data-based decision making and the utilisation of artificial intelligence. Digia’s support and expertise have been consistently dependable throughout our collaboration. It is absolutely critical that this cooperation continues seamlessly and effectively, as Digia’s contribution has been highly significant in promoting and implementing digitalisation within the Defence Forces,” Solante continues.

What we did

  • Digia has been involved in the implementation of the Finnish Defence Forces’ digitalisation programme and has served as a key player in the joint digital office.
  • The focus is now shifting towards advancing the transformation to data-based decision making and implementing opportunities offered by AI.
  • Digia will continue in its role within the Data and AI Office as a trusted partner of the Finnish Defence Forces.

Digia’s support and expertise have been consistently dependable throughout our collaboration. It is absolutely critical that this cooperation continues seamlessly and effectively, as Digia’s contribution has been highly significant in promoting and implementing digitalisation within the Defence Forces.

Tero Solante, Colonel, Chief Digital Officer, Finnish Defence Forces

Data-based decision making & use of AI require collaboration and trust

Future capabilities enhanced by data-based approaches and AI will increasingly rely on the possibilities enabled by digitalisation. Digia's Defence & Security business unit and its experts are at the core of this development, where cybersecurity, continuity and technological innovation play a decisive role.

”From the perspective of digital security, it is crucial that all actors critical to security of supply, as well as the public sector, stay at the forefront of technological development. This is something we at Digia are committed to strengthening.

We help our clients build digitally resilient organisations and a society that does not stop in the face of surprises. We achieve this through a comprehensive vision, deep expertise and experience, intelligent solutions and strong networks,” says Harri Suni, Head of Defence & Security Business at Digia.

Digia plays an important role as a trusted partner in the ongoing transformation. Its strengths lie in the expertise gained from a broad customer base across various industries in data-based decision making and the utilisation of artificial intelligence.

The collaboration is based on transparent operations, rapid responsiveness and the ability to scale solutions to meet the complex requirements of the defence sector. Digia’s deep understanding of the specific needs of high-security and defence environments, combined with its cross-sectoral expertise, enriches the operations of the Finnish Defence Forces by introducing new perspectives and practices.

Data and AI office supports transformation

Digital Office – a joint operating model between Digia and the Finnish Defence Forces – has proven to be a successful way of integrating digitalisation into everyday operations. It has helped build a culture where people are committed to change and where technology is seen as an enabler, not just a tool.

“The Digital Office has operated in an exemplary manner as part of the Defence Forces and has supported us in advancing digital transformation. It has been able to support our various functions broadly and with a human-centred approach, which has been highly appreciated. The work has been exemplary and has encouraged others to embrace change as well,” says Colonel Solante.

The Data and AI Office builds on the best practices developed during the operation of the Digital Office. It supports the Defence Forces in many ways in their data-based decision making and in opportunities of AI.

“Being part of the Digital Office has been extremely rewarding, and as a team, we truly feel that we have been able to help the Defence Forces advance their development under the umbrella of digitalisation. The shift towards data-based decision making and broader use of AI requires a new kind of approach, and it has been fascinating to be part of that. The role of change agents has been – and will continue to be – critical. Working with them is the highlight of our days, as we witness their dedication and expertise in developing their own operations and embracing new opportunities. Change is born through collaboration,” says Veikko Nokkala, Head of the Digital Office and the Data and AI Office.

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