The forest technology company Kesla is establishing KESLA Defence product line with the aim of strengthening its position in the international product and service markets of the defence industry. The decision is strategic and is based on significant future potential and long-term market prospects in the defence equipment industry as NATO countries increase their defence spending.
The company will utilize its existing multi-purpose products in defence and security solutions. KESLA Defence is linked to the company's tractor equipment business, as the planned application areas are strongly based on the previously launched tractor-pulled KESLA Kerberos multi-purpose trailer. The main application of Kerberos, originally developed with the Finnish Defence Forces, is the efficient installation of anti-tank mines in countermobility operations. Fleet of Kerberos multi-purpose trailers have been delivered to the Finnish Defence Forces already in 2021–2023.
Kesla's CEO Pasi Nieminen: "With the establishment of the Kesla Defence product line, we can focus more effectively on the Finnish and international customer base of the defence industry. However, projects in the defence industry require perseverance, and results can typically be expected no earlier than 3–5 years after the first contact."
The KESLA Defence product range also includes the HydraX fire-extinguishing solution for managing wildfires in military shooting ranges. The same fire-extinguishing equipment also serves as a mobile heavy equipment washing solution in military exercises. In addition to its own KESLA Defence products, Kesla is building a partner network that integrates partners' defence technology into Kesla's wide range of trailer solutions capable of operating in both off-road and on-road conditions.
The use of drones in the war in Ukraine has highlighted the increased need for military units to operate under the cover of forests. With Kesla's trailer platforms, it is possible to develop capital-efficient and logistically versatile solutions, where the performance of partners' military technology can be brought under the cover of the forest for operation. There are clear signals in the international market of various countries defence forces interest in transitioning to multi-purpose tractor-based platform solutions like those of the Finnish Defence Forces.
The development and sales of the KESLA Defence product line are led by Mr. Tapio Pirinen, who has strong commercial experience in the marketing and development of industrial products.
Kesla was accepted as a member of the Finnish Defence and Aerospace Industry Association PIA on January 16, 2025, which is a Finnish industry organization for the defence, aerospace, space, and security industries. Companies operating in the PIA community are an integral part of Europe's and especially Finland's overall security.
KESLA OYJ
Managing Director Pasi Nieminen
Further information and interviews:
Managing Director Pasi Nieminen, tel +358 40 901 4401 or email pasi.nieminen[at]kesla.com
Material requests by email to aleksandra.ihno[at]kesla.com
For general information please visit our new KESLA Defence website at www.kesladefence.com
Kesla – Your Responsible Partner
Kesla is a responsible partner that develops machinery, technology and services for the sustainable success of our customers in the forest and beyond. Kesla has three core areas of operation: tractor equipment, harvesting machinery, and vehicle-mounted and industrial cranes. The Group’s net sales in 2023 amounted to EUR 55.4 million, of which 59% was attributable to export operations. Established in 1960, Kesla has production facilities in Joensuu, Kesälahti and Ilomantsi as well as a sales office in Appenweier, Germany. Kesla currently employs around 260 people. Kesla’s A series shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd.