Kesla Oyj | English translation of Stock Exchange Release, Insider Information | 23.03.2026 at 8:30
KESLA Defence has received a significant order worth approximately EUR 17 million for KESLA Kerberos multi‑purpose concept from the defence forces of a NATO country. At the customer’s request, the purchasing country, the number of units, deployment locations and intended use will remain confidential.
Deliveries will begin in early summer 2026 and continue until spring 2027. Approximately EUR 7 million of the total order value is estimated to be recorded in the 2026 financial year. In addition to equipment deliveries, maintenance and spare parts systems as well as user training will also be part of the delivery.
The KESLA Kerberos multi‑purpose concept was originally developed for military engineering operations in both rural and urban environments. Together with a tractor, the KESLA Kerberos forms a versatile unit capable of carrying out military engineering operations such as mobility, countermobility and logistics in demanding off-road terrains. International sales efforts have been ongoing for nearly two years, and Kerberos units are already in active or test use in three countries.
Established at the beginning of 2025, KESLA Defence develops and manufactures multi‑purpose products for international defence markets basing on Kesla’s decades of expertise in forestry engineering. The use of drones in the war in Ukraine has highlighted the increased need for military units to operate under terrain cover. Kesla’s trailer platforms enable the development of capital‑efficient and logistically versatile integrated solutions that bring military capabilities into forested terrain. Thanks to the modular and flexible trailer platform, military capability is not tied to the chassis of a military vehicle - international market signals indicate growing interest among defence forces in adopting multi‑purpose tractor‑based platform solutions.
“Defence industry projects involve long timelines and processes take time. Projects require long‑term development and close cooperation between authorities and industry partners. The current geopolitical situation and Finland’s NATO membership have opened international export opportunities to other NATO countries. Finnish defence expertise and technology proven in demanding field conditions attract broad interest and strong trust worldwide. We will continue the determined international sales efforts of the Defence product group and expect this to materialise during 2026, for example through new product applications and an increased number of user countries,” says Pasi Nieminen, CEO of Kesla Oyj.
Further information and interview requests
Kesla Oyj
Pasi Nieminen, CEO
Tel. +358 40 901 4401
pasi.nieminen[at]kesla.com
Kesla – Your Responsible Partner
Kesla is a responsible partner that develops machinery, technology and services for the sustainable success of its customers, both in and outside the forest. Kesla’s four product groups are: tractor equipment, logging equipment, stationary and industrial cranes, and KESLA Defence. In 2024, the Group’s turnover was €44,3 million, of which 53% 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 232 people. Kesla’s A series shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. www.kesla.com