The US government announced Thursday that it has approved the sale of portable Stinger anti-aircraft missiles to Finland, valued at $380 million, as the traditionally non-aligned country prepares to join NATO.
The Finnish government wishes to acquire 350 Stinger missiles, worn on the shoulder, and their equipment.
This sale of sensitive equipment had previously to be approved by the US government, said the cooperation agency of the US Department of Defense.
"Strengthening defense capabilities"
If confirmed, this sale
"will improve Finland's defense and deterrence capabilities,"
the statement said.
"This crucial weaponry will bolster ground and air defense capabilities on Europe's eastern flank and support US Army European Command priorities
. "
Washington already approved on Monday the sale of more than 80 precision missiles to Helsinki for a total amount of 323 million dollars.
Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Finland and Sweden submitted a joint bid to join the Atlantic Alliance in May, abandoning decades of military non-alignment.
This, which must be accepted unanimously by the 30 member states of NATO, has been ratified by all with the exception of Turkey and Hungary.