Commander of the Finnish Army, Lieutenant General Pasi Välimäki, met the Commanding General of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Northern Army, Lieutenant General Kazutomo Idogawa, in Helsinki on 12 June 2026.
In the meeting, the generals discussed the current strategic situation and bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries, initiated a few years ago. The generals see many common goals which can be fostered by cooperation, exchanging information and sharing experiences between the armies.
The generals agreed on deepening cooperation in exercise activities, information exchange related to the use, training and maintenance of Patria AMVs (Armoured Modular Vehicle) and military training and equipment tailored to specific conditions that will benefit both parties.
The generals also agreed on keeping up regular correspondence between the army commanders and staffs.
“Regular correspondence and practical-level cooperation that serves the interests of both parties make sure that the outcome will also satisfy both countries. The meeting provided a good foundation for planning the areas of cooperation further,” Lieutenant General Väimäki says.
Lieutenant General Idogawa also visited the Guard Jaeger Regiment in Helsinki where he was introduced to the Finnish conscription system and conscript training. Lieutenant General Idogawa received a thorough introduction to the current conscript training, and was pleased with the visit, considering it fruitful to continue the cooperation between our countries.
