Finland to acquire FIM-92 Stinger man-portable anti-aircraft missile systems from United States.

The FIM-92 Stinger is a man-portable surface-to-air missile system (MANPADS) which can be used against aerial threats as 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.

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.

According to Haglund, the fact that the United States has agreed to sell, for example, the advanced JASSM missiles to Finland is an indication of trust. “I'm thrilled that we can buy the Stingers, because they are by far the best in the world for this purpose,” he also said.

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.