Defense AI: Product Power Over Technology Determines Competitive Edge

Nordic nations including Finland and Denmark are intensifying competition to attract defense AI startups by offering local entity establishment support. Cho Seong-won, CEO of Newtype Industries, revealed during a conference that Finland's Helsinki proposed establishing a local office, highlighting a strategic shift by post-Ukraine War nations to prioritize startup recruitment over technology development. This reflects broader competition for NATO supply chain integration, where local entities enable direct access to national defense ministries and NATO innovation programs. Newtype's strategy focuses on demonstrating operational readiness through NATO supply chain participation, having already conducted trials with Ukrainian units and the South Korean Army Artillery School.