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Report: Finland acquiring Stinger missiles from United States

HELSINKI, Finland, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- Finland appears to be ready to acquire hundreds of shoulder-fired Stinger anti-aircraft missiles from the United States.

The Helsinki Times reports the decision was made in Washington late last week by visiting Finnish Defense Minister Carl Haglund, who said Finland will acquire the weapons "at an extremely competitive price."

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The procurement, which needs to be approved by the Cabinet Finance Committee would be about $123 million, the newspaper said.

The Stinger short-range missiles would replace Finland's Russian-made missiles.

Finland's Ministry of Defense announced early this month it will acquire 100 used Leopard battle tanks from the Netherlands in a bid to upgrade its tank arsenal.

Additional details of the reported deal for Stinger missiles were not given.

Haglund said arms deals with the United States foster closer defense cooperation between the two countries,

"When you have the same equipment, it facilitates joint exercise arrangements," he said.

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