US and Finland sign non-binding technology pact covering AI, 6G and Arctic icebreakers

The United States and Finland signed a technology memorandum in Washington on 29 October, setting out plans to work together on artificial intelligence, 6G networks, quantum computing and Arctic icebreakers. It is a framework for cooperation rather than a funded contract: it creates no legally binding obligations and commits neither government to spend money.

A central aim is to develop and export what the memorandum calls trusted technology, from network equipment and software to AI systems and customer support. The governments intend to coordinate financing tools where appropriate to help sell those technologies in other countries, and to work together on telecommunications standards and secure 5G and 6G supply chains. The document uses the term “super intelligence”, but notes that in Finland it refers to artificial intelligence.

The Arctic plans draw on Finland’s icebreaker expertise. The two governments intend to deepen cooperation under the existing ICE Pact to support modernisation of the US icebreaker fleet, while exploring work on ship design, shipyards, cold-weather technology and communications, including satellite coverage and subsea cables. The memorandum does not award a shipbuilding contract.

Other proposed areas include small modular nuclear reactors, geothermal energy, post-quantum cryptography, space technology and biomedical research. The governments also plan to exchange information on threats to sensitive research and strengthen scrutiny of partnerships and foreign funding.

Any projects would have to follow the countries’ applicable laws and regulatory processes, including EU rules affecting Finland. The memorandum says arrangements for intellectual property would be handled separately.