US DOS approves Stinger missiles potential sale to Finland: Pentagon

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
1 Dec 2022 23:06
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While the US faces arms shortages, it has just approved a potential sale of Stinger Man-Portable missiles to Finland.

Stinger (FIM-92) is a man-portable air defense system (MANPADS).

The US State Department has approved the potential sale of Stinger Man-Portable missiles and related equipment to Finland for an estimated $380 million, according to the Pentagon.

Raytheon Missiles and Defense and Lockheed Martin LMT.N will be the primary contractors, according to the Pentagon.

"The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Finland of FIM-92K Stinger Man-Portable missiles; Production Verification Flight Test (PVFT) FIM-92K Stinger Man Portable missiles; and related equipment for an estimated cost of $380 million," the Pentagon said in a press release.

According to the release, Finland requested 350 FIM-92K Stinger Man-Portable missiles and five Production Verification Flight Test (PVFT) FIM-92K Stinger Man-Portable missiles.

Two days ago, Washington announced 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.

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 US 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.