Finland requests Stinger missiles

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WASHINGTON, Nov. 4 (UPI) -- Finland is seeking a U.S. Foreign Military Sales deal worth $330 million to acquire 600 Stinger anti-aircraft missiles.

In addition to the Stinger-Reprogrammable Micro-Processor Block 1 weapons, it is also asking for 10 Stinger Block 1 Production Verification Flight Test missiles; 110 Gripstock Block 1 Control Groups; 1,827 Battery Coolant Units; 16 Tracking Head Trainers; 50 Field Handling Trainers; two GCU-31A/E Gas Charging Units; 110 night sights; one Stinger Troop Proficiency Trainer and one launch simulator.

Metal containers, refurbishment, upgrades, spare and repair parts, tools and tool sets and support equipment would be part of the deal.

"This proposed sale will enable Finland to modernize its armed forces and enhance its existing air defense architecture to counter threats posed by air attack," the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in its notification to Congress. "The proposed sale will provide Finland a defensive capability while enhancing interoperability with the U.S. and other allied forces."

The prime contractor will be Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson.

Implementation of sale would require 10 U.S. government or contractor representatives to travel to Finland for a period of eight weeks for equipment checkout and training, the agency said.