Defense News:
WASHINGTON – The U.S. State Department has cleared a pair of first-time missile sales for Finland’s navy that could top $730 million in total.
The announcement comes as Finland, concerned with actions from neighboring Russia, is looking to increase its defense spending. While not a NATO member, Finland has made moves to increase ties with its European allies following Russia’s 2014 invasion of Crimea – moves that have led Russia to pre-emptively threaten its neighbor if it takes more concrete steps to join the military alliance.
The packages were announced Monday by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. Announced weapon sales are not final; members of the Senate can now object if they wish, and then negotiations will begin between Finland and the U.S. on final prices and amounts of equipment.
