US approves potential weapons sale to Finland for 'national interest'
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The US approves a $323 mln potential weapons deal for Finland to support American national security and foreign policy.
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An M270 MLRS launches a GMLRS.
Washington announced on Monday that a prospected arms sale to Finland valued at around $323 million was approved.
"This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security of a trusted partner, which is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe," the US State Department noted in its statement.
Read more: Biden signs documents advancing Finland, Sweden NATO accession
Following the recent reports that the US is facing arms stockpiles shortage that might affect its readiness in case any unexpected conflict arises with another rival, the State Department noted that the sale will not cause such an issue.
"There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale."
The weapons deal consists of 40 tactical missiles and 48 Joint Standoff Weapons to Finland, as well as support the country with training. Additional equipment includes Dummy Air Training Missiles, Captive Air Training Missiles, Captive Flight Vehicles, and Free Flight Vehicles. The deal will be contracted to Raytheon Missiles & Defense of Raytheon technologies.
Read more: Politico: US shipping some unannounced weapons secretly
"It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist Finland in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability," the State Department said.
Finland is a country that borders Russia but is not part of NATO.
The nordic country applied for the alliance's membership earlier this year, along with Sweden, and their applications so far are widely supported by member states except for Turkey and Hungary so far.
However, both countries are expected to be approved to join in 2023.
Russia previously said it will respond to threats posed by Finland and Sweden's accession to NATO.
Though Moscow opposes the alliance's expansion, it does not see the accession of Finland and Sweden into the bloc as an existential threat. However, Russia will work on its Western flank to make it more sophisticated in terms of security in the face of NATO creeping in on its northern borders.
