Finland To Replace Russian-Made Missiles With US-Made Anti-Aircraft Missiles

Finland is set to acquire hundreds of Stinger anti-aircraft missiles from the United States, Carl Haglund (SFP), the Minister of Defence, announced during his visit to US, Washington last week.

Stingers are shoulder-launched short-range missiles that can be used to bring down helicopters, aircraft and drones. They will replace Finland's current arsenal of Russian-made missiles. With a price tag of approximately 90 million euros, the acquisition will, however, require the approval of the Cabinet Finance Committee.

“I'll sign the decision tomorrow or on Monday,” said Haglund.

Haglund also viewed that overall the defence co-operation between Finland and the United States is on a solid foundation. Moreover, equipment acquisitions from the United States – such as the recent acquisitions of Hornet jets and the compatible JASSM missiles – encourage further collaboration. “When you have the same equipment, it facilitates joint exercise arrangements,” the minister explained.

Earlier this month, the Ministry of Defence announced that Finland will acquire one hundred used battle tanks from the Netherlands in a bid to upgrade its tank arsenal. The JASSM missiles acquired from the United States in 2012 are similarly extremely advanced technologically.