Finland Sends Developing Equipment to Ukraine to Gain Insights.

The Finnish Defense Forces believe that the experience gained from supplying arms to Ukraine will be highly beneficial for the development of new Finnish military equipment. This assertion comes from Lieutenant General Mikko Heiskanen, head of the Department of Military Economy at the Finnish Defense Forces, according to a Yle report dated June 8, 2024.
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Finnish Sisu XA-180/185 armored personnel carriers in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. (Picture source: Social media)

Lieutenant General Heiskanen emphasized that Finland is not only sending older defense materials from its stocks to Ukraine but also the latest innovations from the Finnish defense industry, including some that are still in development stages.

He highlighted the positive feedback received on the use of Finnish products in Ukraine, noting that this practical experience will be invaluable for advancing the development of Finland’s latest defense products.

Heiskanen mentioned that the production reserves set aside by the Defense Forces for Finnish companies could potentially be mobilized to support Ukraine. However, he pointed out that this would require political will and additional funding.

Finland does not disclose the specifics of this new military aid to Ukraine. But we already know what has been delivered previously. In February 2024, Finland decided to provide Ukraine with military equipment worth 1.8 billion euros, spread over 22 aid packages. Among the delivered equipment are armored personnel carriers, notably the Sisu XA-185s, which were sent in September 2022.

For combat engineering vehicles, Finland delivered six Leopard 2R mine-clearing tanks before June 2023. In terms of self-propelled artillery, the 122mm 122 PSH 74s (known as 2S1 Gvozdika) were supplied in August 2023. Towed artillery included 152mm 152 K89 (or 2A36 Giatsint-B) guns, delivered in April 2023, and 130mm 130 K54 (or M-46) guns, sent before September 2023.

Heavy mortars, specifically the 120mm 120 Krh 85 92s, were delivered in August 2022, while anti-aircraft guns of 23mm 23 ITK 61 'Sergei' (ZU-23) were also provided at the same time. In terms of anti-tank weaponry, Finland shipped 1,500 66 KES (M72 LAW) anti-tank weapons in March 2022, followed by 112mm RSKES APILAS rocket launchers before April 2023.

Finally, for small arms, Finland delivered 12.7mm 12,7 ItKK 96 heavy machine guns in September 2022 and 2,500 assault rifles in March 2022. These deliveries represent a substantial part of Finland's military aid to Ukraine, demonstrating a significant commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense efforts against Russian aggression.

During his visit to Estonia in late May, Finland’s President, Alexander Stubb, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to doing everything possible to ensure Ukraine's victory in the war initiated by Russia.