KNL Secures Historic Defence Communications Deal with Finland and Sweden Under NORDEFCO

In a major boost to Nordic defence collaboration, Finnish technology firm KNL has signed a landmark agreement with the Finnish Defence Forces and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration. This agreement, established under the Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO), paves the way for the procurement of KNL’s Cognitive Networked High Frequency (CNHF) communication systems in both Finland and Sweden, strengthening their military communication capabilities.

This deal is particularly significant as it marks the first-ever tactical communications and command & control (C2) systems agreement signed under the NORDEFCO framework. Running initially from 2025 to 2035, the contract includes provisions for automatic one-year extensions, ensuring long-term technological advancements in defence communications.

The Role of KNL’s CNHF System in Nordic Defence

KNL’s CNHF system is a cutting-edge, autonomous high-frequency communication solution designed to function beyond line-of-sight. It provides secure and resilient connectivity over vast distances, a crucial requirement for modern military operations. By employing spectrum sensing technology, the system continuously adapts to fluctuating radio conditions in real time, ensuring uninterrupted and optimized communication even in complex and contested environments.

“The agreement with KNL enables the procurement of cognitive High Frequency (HF) radios,” stated the Finnish Defence Forces. “These advanced communication devices autonomously analyze radio frequency conditions and adjust their operations accordingly, making them highly reliable in dynamic operational scenarios.”

A Major Step in Nordic Military Cooperation

Toni Lindén, CEO of KNL, described the deal as a milestone in Nordic defence collaboration. “We are honoured that the Finnish Defence Forces and Swedish Defence Materiel Administration have chosen KNL as their trusted partner in building unique long-range connectivity capabilities,” he said.

Lindén emphasized that this agreement showcases the strength of Nordic military cooperation and opens doors for further regional integration. “This is the first command & control systems framework agreement signed under NORDEFCO, and we believe it’s just the beginning. Our technology addresses a critical need in modern defence, and the growing interest from NATO countries validates the unique value we bring to the field.”

Future Expansion and Strategic Impact

One of the most promising aspects of this agreement is the possibility of broader adoption across the NORDEFCO alliance. The deal includes provisions for other Nordic countries to join in the future, potentially expanding KNL’s secure communication technology across the entire region. This aligns with the broader goal of enhancing interoperability among Nordic armed forces, particularly in light of evolving security challenges in Northern Europe.

KNL, based in Oulu, Finland, is known for its expertise in beyond-line-of-sight communication technologies. The company specializes in software-defined radios optimized for defence and security applications and is part of the Telenor Group, a major telecommunications provider in the Nordics and Asia.

As Finland and Sweden deepen their defence ties, especially with both nations now part of NATO, this agreement signifies a step toward building a more resilient and integrated military communication infrastructure. With increasing threats in the region, robust and adaptable communication systems like KNL’s CNHF will be critical in ensuring secure and uninterrupted operations across Nordic defence forces.