Since its launch in 1973, Insta’s Defence business has grown from a workshop for aircraft gauge repair to a strategic partner of the Finnish Defence Forces that employs more than 400 skilled professionals. Securing the necessary competence for the utilization of digitalization as well as the prevention of cyber threats is critical for the capability of the FDF. Insta has a strong vision of how Finland and Europe can respond to technological disruption as well as the changed security situation.
Insta's Defence business focuses on avionics maintenance and repair, solutions that secure pilots’ performance, command & control systems, simulators, cyber security, and system integrations for connected defence. By commencing the strategic partnership with the Finnish Defence Forces, the company is committed to supporting the FDF in strengthening the security of supply, critical technologies, maintenance of military equipment, and support services.
– The focus of the strategic partnership is on national operational systems and comprehensive logistics support as well as on the know-how that we have accumulated over the course of several decades, explains Insta’s Airworthiness Unit Manager Jukka Nuora.
The business has expanded to new areas, such as AI, autonomous systems, flocking, and data analysis. The Insta Blue Aware situational picture platform, which can be utilized by organizers of large events and the authorities as well as local forces, for example, is also noteworthy. In terms of exports, there is demand for solutions that secure pilots’ performance, such as the ANR (active noise reduction) headsets for SAAB Gripen fighter jets in Sweden and Brazil and the IPBAM (Insta Pilot’s Breath Air Monitor) system for the Austrian air force, with test operation taking place in the United States. The air defence C2 systems employed in Finland are another area that has attracted international interest. Connected defence systems
In the near future, defence systems will be connected across country borders, the amount of data will grow, and the technology will advance at a record pace. Digitalization, mobility, networking, data, AI, and robotics create new opportunities and challenge the ethics of warfare.
The unstable geopolitical situation is also impacting the Finnish defence sector in many ways. In Europe, additional funding is especially directed to materials procurement and increased preparedness. The demand in the international defence technology markets is growing. Whatever the future holds, Insta is ready to take on the challenges.
The utilization of AI and modern technology ensure effective leadership, having a real-time situational picture, and the intelligent use of resources. The data collection by equipment will also emphasize the significance of preventive maintenance and repair, not to mention cyber security.
– Even with the technological advancements, the maintenance and repair operations in the defence sector are still subject to strict regulations. The service life of equipment is long and standardization is key, points out Insta’s Senior Vice President Defence Petri Reiman.
Participating in the defence collaboration of the future
Finland’s NATO membership boosts the international defence collaboration and that is great for the Finnish industry as well as European security. Insta is exceptionally well prepared for this since, under the guidance of the Finnish Defence Forces, the company has been participating in NATO partnership activities for years and develops NATO interoperable technology.
For example, Insta will have a strong role in the servicing of the avionics of the new F-35 fighter fleet. In addition to partnering with the Finnish Defence Forces, Insta is Lockheed Martin’s contracting partner and part of the aircraft manufacturer’s global maintenance network. Therefore, Insta also has the opportunity to provide maintenance and repair services outside of Finland.
The potential market is extensive. For example, several NATO member countries have chosen the F-35, which provides synergies in terms of training, maintenance, and the operation of the aircraft. Insta has also signed a contract with Lockheed Martin on the development of a military data filtering solution.
– Immediately after Finland joined NATO, it became clear that Finland has expertise that can be utilized in the development of international defence collaboration, Reiman says.
