Finland's Technological (and Business) bet at FIDAE 2026: Satellites, Communication, and Security
The Nordic country participates for the second time with an official pavilion at the International Air and Space Fair, considering a delegation of seven companies linked to defense, space, critical software, energy and communications.
The International Air and Space Fair (FIDAE) usually focuses its attention on aircraft, flight demonstrations, and developments associated with the aerospace industry. In its 2026 edition, one of the emerging focuses is on dual-use technology: solutions designed for critical contexts, but with applications that transcend strictly military scope.
In that context, Finland is participating for the second time in the event's history with an official pavilion, a sign that aims to strengthen its positioning in Latin America and open up space for new technological and commercial collaboration opportunities in the region.
The Finnish delegation is composed of seven companies operating in segments such as satellite observation, defense, operations management, critical communications, deployable infrastructure, and energy. The common denominator is a technological offering that combines strategic capabilities with potential for use in civil and productive industries.
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"We want to showcase our knowledge, the technology that our companies have in the defense and security sector," highlighted the Ambassador of Finland to Chile, Johanna Kotkaj盲rvi to Entreprenerd.
Dual Technology as Axis
The Finnish presence at FIDAE is part of an increasingly visible international trend: the development of dual technologies, that is, platforms and solutions that can be used in both defense and areas such as risk management, emergency response, environmental monitoring, protection of critical infrastructure, or advanced logistics.
For a market like the Chilean one, exposed to natural disasters, increasing demands in terms of operational resilience and challenges of connectivity and infrastructure, this kind of solutions opens a conversation that goes beyond traditional military equipment.
Satellites, Data and Permanent Monitoring
Among the participating companies, ICEYE stands out, based in Espoo and specialized in terrestrial observation using SAR (synthetic aperture radar) satellites. The company is recognized for operating one of the most advanced constellations in this technology, which allows monitoring changes at any point on the planet under any weather condition, both day and night.
"We have satellite technology that has the ability to create images of the Earth at any time, at night, through the clouds; it is, therefore, an observation satellite that is used in defense and intelligence situations, environmental monitoring, natural disaster management, and maritime zone monitoring. There are many cases for the use of this technology," explained Daniel Cleffi, CEO of ICEYE for Latin America, to Entreprenerd.
Adding about their presence in FIDAE 2026 that, "we are excited about the opportunity we have in the region and particularly in Chile".
That type of ability has obvious applications in intelligence and security, but also in tracking natural phenomena, monitoring critical infrastructure, territorial management and assessment of extreme weather events.
Defense, Critical Software and Operational Preparedness
Another significant player is Patria, a Finnish company with over 100 years of experience in defense and technology. Its focus is on critical systems, operational availability, and capability development for clients in the aerospace and military sector.
ILIAS Solutions also participates alongside her, a company that is part of the Patria group and specializes in information management platforms for defense operations and humanitarian aid. Their proposal aims at improving operational readiness and the efficient use of resources in the field, an aspect becoming increasingly important both in military deployments and in civil response scenarios during emergencies.
A Broader Offer
The delegation also includes ReOrbit, a company founded in Helsinki in 2019 and focused on sovereign satellites and connected systems for national security and secure communications; W盲rtsil盲, a global player in technologies for the decarbonization of the maritime and energy sectors.
On the other hand, KT-Shelter, specializes in rapid deployment shelter systems for helicopters, fighter jets, and large UAVs; and Savox Communications, a company focused on critical communication solutions and auditory protection for defense, rescue, security, and industry.
The Finnish pavilion sets up an integrated display of capabilities related to operations under pressure: data, connectivity, deployment, software, autonomy, and support for critical infrastructure.
Strategic Signal for the Region
The official participation of Finland in FIDAE 2026 also has a diplomatic and commercial interpretation. In a scenario where Latin America seeks to strengthen capacities in areas such as security, risk management, energy transition, and digitization of infrastructures, the Finnish proposal presents itself as a combination of innovation, technological robustness, and experience in demanding environments.
"I believe there is tremendous potential. If we look at the current state of the world as it is, this region is quite stable compared to many other regions, they have democracies and the same values as Finland, so there is an excellent base for cooperation based on trust and development of business technologies," said Heidi Virta, Head of Trade Latin America & the Caribbean from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland.
In that context, FIDAE emerges not only as a sectorial showcase, but as a platform for exploring long-term alliances and conversations with public and private actors in the region.
Beyond the aeronautical component that traditionally defines the fair, the presence of Finland highlights a broader transformation: the growing relevance of technologies developed for critical contexts, but with a direct impact on civilian, productive, and strategic challenges.
