U.S. poised to sell Stinger missiles to Finland

By Tony Bertuca / December 1, 2022 at 4:19 PM

The State Department has notified Congress that it has approved a $380 million sale to Finland of Stinger missiles that have proved especially critical in Ukraine's defense against an ongoing Russian invasion.

Finland, which requested membership in NATO following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, wants to purchase 350 FIM-92K Stinger Man-Portable missiles and five Production Verification Flight Test FIM-92K Stinger Man-Portable missiles, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.

“It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist Finland in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability,” DSCA said. “The proposed sale will improve Finland’s defense and deterrence capabilities. Finland intends to use these defense articles and services to increase its national stock. This critical platform will bolster the land and air defense capabilities in Europe’s northern flank, supporting the U.S. European Command’s top priorities.”

The principal contractors will be Raytheon Missiles and Defense, Tucson, AZ and Lockheed Martin Corporation, Syracuse, NY.

“There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale,” DSCA said.

Meanwhile, Pentagon officials and lawmakers are pushing the U.S. industrial base to build more missiles and munitions to aid allies and replenish U.S. stockpiles.

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