Finland cracks down on direct lobbying for HX fighter
HELSINKI — Finland's Ministry of Defence is blocking direct lobbying efforts by companies vying for its fighter replacement contract to add greater transparency to the selection and decision-making process.
The block mechanism will effectively curtail direct approaches by aircraft manufacturers, or lobbyists hired to represent them on their behalf, in connection with all forms of marketing efforts linked to the Finnish Air Force's HX Fighter Replacement Program, or HX-FRP.
All contenders for the fighter program contract, including Boeing (F/A-18), BAE Systems (Eurofighter Typhoon), Saab (JAS Gripen), Dassault Aviation (Rafale) and Lockheed Martin (F-35), have recruited Finland-based specialist lobbying and public relations agencies to represent their special interests.
Moreover, the five European and U.S. fighter aircraft suppliers have contracted former senior Finnish military officers to help them develop sales strategies and add energy to their separate marketing efforts.
Finnish Defence Minister Jussi Niinistö said the MoD’s position on direct lobbying adds more transparency to the overall tendering and competition process.
"The defense minister does not take meetings with lobbyists. The reasons are well understood by them. The ministry's staff may have contact with manufacturing representatives but solely as a normal part of their duties," Niinistö said.
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