Finland explains why it will not withdraw arms contracts with Israel

Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen said that canceling orders for military equipment from Israel or suspending the implementation of already concluded contracts could lead to “a significant risk to Finland's defense.”

The head of the Finnish Ministry of Defense answered MPs' questions about further cooperation with Israel in the field of defense in the face of the activities of that country's army in the Gaza Strip.

In recent years, including before the start of the war in this enclave, Finland ordered, among others: the so-called David's Sling. This is an anti-missile defense system developed by the Israeli concern Rafael and the American Raytheon. According to the Finnish army command, this weapon, the cost of which is estimated at over EUR 300 million, will “significantly improve” the defensive capabilities of the Finnish army in the field of combating air targets operating at high altitudes.

“The war in Ukraine shows that such a system, of critical importance for defense, is also needed in Finland,” argued the Ministry of Defense in Helsinki.

Hakkanen emphasized that the Israeli arms industry has not been subject to international sanctions. He also recalled that all important decisions regarding public procurement for the Finnish Armed Forces from Israeli suppliers were made before October 2023, when the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip began.

Finland's other key arms projects also include acquiring anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles, radars and drones from Israel. The head of the Ministry of Defense pointed out that the possible acquisition of replacement equipment and weapons in the current security situation would disrupt the schedule and planning of the armed forces due to the current limited offer of the arms market and the mutual competition of individual countries for orders and deliveries.

From Helsinki Przemysław Molik (PAP)

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