It has been reported that Finland will buy an air defense system from Israel.
According to news made by Yle, Finland’s national public broadcasting company, Finland is currently choosing between two Israeli-made surface-to-air missile systems. Appearing on Yle Minister of Defense Antti Kaikkonen stated that said, “It’s a substantial investment—a big one right after fighter jets.”
Noting that they received intelligence information that Belarus will participate in Russia’s “occupation of Ukraine”, Kaikkonen said that Finland is preparing for different scenarios according to different situations that will develop in Ukraine.
Emphasizing that Finland is not facing a direct threat, Kaikkonen said, “There is peace on our borders, but we still have to be on the alert and strengthen our defense capacity.”
Minister Kaikkonen stated that Finland is holding defense cooperation talks with the UK.
Information on the cost of the air defense system was not provided.
Finnish President Sauli Niinistö had agreed to increase defense cooperation during his meeting with US President Joe Biden in Washington on March 5th.