ASD at SecD-Day 2025: industry’s critical role in Europe’s security

ASD Secretary General Jan Pie moderated a high-level panel at SecD-Day 2025 in Finland, addressing the critical role of industry in securing Europe’s defence amidst a rapidly evolving security landscape.

How can industry and defence work together to secure Europe's future? ASD Secretary General, Jan Pie, explored this crucial question at the SecD-Day Conference & Exhibition in Finland, where he moderated a high-level panel on the vital partnership between defence and industry.

The Conference is organised by the Finnish Defence & Aerospace Industries (PIA). The panel, titled "There is no defence without industry", brought together voices from NATO, the European Commission, Finnish defence, and leading industry experts:

  • Ms. Tarja Jaakkola, Assistant Secretary General, Defence Investment, NATO
  • Mr. Timo Pesonen, Director-General for Defense Industry and Space, European Commission
  • Mr. Esa Rautalinko, CEO, Patria and Chairman of the Board, PIA
  • Mr. Olli Ruutu, Finnish National Armaments Director, Ministry of Defence
  • LTG Jari Mikkonen, Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics and Armaments, Joint Command

The discussion addressed the evolving security landscape in Europe, emphasising the critical role of industry in ensuring defence readiness.

Jan Pie said during the conference: “Europe must respond decisively and without further delay to the dramatically deteriorating security landscape. I am confident the conference highlighted both Finland’s and Finnish defence industry’s crucial role in this context, particularly in view of the country's extensive NATO border with Russia and its recognition as one of Europe's strongest societies in preparedness, crisis management, and military capabilities.”

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