Gerard O'Dwyer

Gerard O'Dwyer is the Scandinavian affairs correspondent for Defense News.

All Stories By Gerard

Finland approves construction of Patria’s F-35 assembly facility

The project is linked to the $9.6 billion jet procurement contract reached between Finland and the American company Lockheed Martin in February 2022.

11 days ago

Finland’s 2024 defense budget targets arms restocking, border security

The expected budget increases Finland’s defense spending to 2.3% of its gross domestic product, lifting it above NATO’s 2% goal for member states.

5 months ago

Sweden vows to push defense collaboration, cyber defense at EU helm

Stockholm has set out to move the needle on joint procurement arrangements for military equipment within the European Union.

Sweden, Finland try ‘future ally’ path with Turkey in bid to join NATO

Nordic officials find themselves at the receiving end of Turkish grievances, as Ankara's approval is needed for the NATO membership of Sweden and Finland.

Nordic nations may pool their growing military support to Ukraine

Countries are exploring closer coordination on weapons buys and transportation channels to the war-torn country.

Sweden boosts defense spending, NATO goal in mind

Stockholm's plans also include a new ministry and additional spending on cyber defense to better address hybrid threats.

Finland refutes nuclear weapons ‘siting’ and reinforces border

Finnish leaders walk a fine line between deterring Russia and co-existing as neighbors.

Finland’s top leaders press for rapid NATO membership

The push can be expected to have an influential impact on Sweden’s own decision-making process regarding NATO membership.

Finland and Sweden intensify talks on joint NATO application

The two countries are expected to announce a decision about joining the alliance in mid-May.

Finland and Sweden pursue unlinked NATO membership

Finland had indicated it would prefer a solution that would see the two Nordic unaligned states “jump together” into NATO.

Audit clears Finnish F-35 buy amid rising spending on pandemic, Ukraine

Doubts about the ability to work within the defense ministry's current spending plan were raised after the government decided to export defensive weapons and other military materials to Ukraine.

Finland and Sweden may take unhurried route to NATO membership

The option of joining the alliance is already included in Finland’s National Defense Strategy Plan, whereas Swedish has no such fast-track mechanism.

Featured Video

How does the Pentagon want to spend $850 billion? Defense budget highlights for FY2025

Army tank units faced overwork & higher suicides, investigation finds

Inside NATO’s Apache helicopter fleet

Navy explores beard options, and military mammals at work | Defense News Weekly Full Episode, 3.9.24

Trending Now

US Army scraps Extended Range Cannon Artillery prototype effort

Navy postpones several modernization programs to pay for operations

US Air Force budget request leans toward R&D, trims fighter purchases

India conducts first test flight of locally developed missile

US Navy nixed a Virginia sub amid spending frenzy to support suppliers