Nokia started making military equipment for Finland's defence forces

Nokia expanded into defense-related manufacturing during the mid-20th century, supplying equipment to Finland’s defence forces as part of its broader industrial activities. Following the 1967 merger that formed Nokia Corporation from Nokia Ab, Finnish Rubber Works, and Kaapelitehdas, the company inherited and developed capabilities in electronics, cables, and communications technology. These capabilities positioned Nokia to contribute to military and government needs, particularly in communications and signal equipment. During the Cold War period, Nokia was involved in producing a range of military-related technologies, including field telephones, radio communication systems, and electronic devices designed for defense applications. These products supported Finland’s national defense infrastructure, which emphasized self-reliance and domestic production. Nokia’s expertise in cables and electronics, originally developed for civilian industries, was adapted to meet military specifications and operational requirements. Nokia’s involvement in defense manufacturing continued into the later decades of the 20th century, although the company gradually shifted its focus toward telecommunications and consumer electronics. By the 1990s, Nokia had largely exited defense production as it concentrated on becoming a global leader in mobile communications. #Nokia #Finland #DefenseIndustry #MilitaryTechnology #TechHistory