West Avia participated in the Supply, Security & Defence Expo 2026, held in Tallinn in June, as part of the Finland Pavilion organised by the Finnish Operations Center (FOC). The aim of the participation was to strengthen West Avia’s international networks, promote the testing environment to potential customers, and generate new business opportunities in the defence and security sectors.
SSD Expo 2026 was held on 10–11 June 2026 at the Estonian Fair Centre in Tallinn. The international event brought together companies, authorities, experts and decision-makers working in the fields of defence, security and supply chains.
West Avia participated in the event as part of the Finland Pavilion organised by the Finnish Operations Center (FOC). The aim of the pavilion was to showcase Finnish companies and expertise to international defence and security sector stakeholders, while creating opportunities for participants to establish new contacts, build partnerships and explore new business opportunities.
The Finland Pavilion brought together more than 20 companies from across Finland. Alongside West Avia, the participating companies included SARA Center, with whom West Avia has signed a cooperation agreement. This collaboration was also put into practice in Tallinn, where West Avia and SARA Center shared an exhibition stand.
West Avia was represented at the event by Joonas Soini and Elisabet Kivimäki from Into Seinäjoki. SARA Center was represented by Jani and Christian Gummerus.
Focus on International Networks and New Customers
A key objective of participating in the exhibition was to promote West Avia’s testing environment and identify new potential customers. SSD Expo provided an excellent platform for advancing these goals.
A key objective of participating in the exhibition was to promote West Avia’s testing environment and identify new potential customers.
The key themes of the event included security, security of supply, logistics, critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, autonomous systems and dual-use technologies. The Finland Pavilion organised by FOC brought Finnish companies together under one roof and provided opportunities to connect with both Finnish and international stakeholders.
In addition to the exhibition days, FOC’s programme included various networking events. The Finnish delegation began its programme on 9 June with, among other activities, an Icebreaker event held at the Embassy of Finland in Tallinn. Finland’s Ambassador to Estonia, Vesa Vasara, also visited the Finland Pavilion and met with the Finnish companies exhibiting at the event.
The FOC Arctic Shield – Resilience 360 side event, held during the exhibition, brought together representatives from the private and public sectors to discuss topics including logistics resilience, drone ecosystems, dual-use technologies and preparedness in northern regions.
Stronger Visibility Through Collaboration
The cooperation agreement between West Avia and SARA Center provides a foundation for long-term collaboration extending beyond individual events. Their joint participation in SSD Expo 2026 was a concrete example of this cooperation in practice.
At the same time, the event in Tallinn supported West Avia’s goal of raising awareness of its testing environment among new customer groups and building connections particularly with companies operating in the defence, security and dual-use sectors.
International events and the networks built through them play an important role in the commercialisation of West Avia’s testing environment. SSD Expo provided an opportunity to showcase West Avia’s capabilities, gain a better understanding of customer needs, and initiate discussions on future testing and collaboration opportunities.
Highlights from SSD Expo 2026
Elisabet Kivimäki
Yrityskehityspäällikkö, Into Seinäjoki
