Finland did not refuse to transfer missiles for US Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, as it does not have such systems or the corresponding interceptors in service itself. Defense Express writes about this, reports UNN.
Details
Earlier, Ukrainian media circulated information about Finland allegedly refusing to transfer Patriot missiles to Ukraine. However, Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen merely stated in an interview with Ilta-Sanomat that the country does not use these systems.
According to him, Finland has certain capabilities regarding anti-aircraft missiles, but does not disclose the mechanisms of its military support for Ukraine. At the same time, a country that shares a border with Russia cannot weaken its own air defense.
What air defense systems could Finland transfer to Ukraine
Finland participates in the PURL initiative, under which partners finance the purchase of US weapons for Ukraine, including interceptor missiles for Patriot systems. At the same time, Finland does not have its own missiles for these systems.
To protect its airspace, the country uses fighter jets, NASAMS II, Crotale NG and ASRAD-R air defense systems, as well as RBS 70 and Stinger man-portable systems. These systems are not intended to intercept ballistic missiles.
In 2023, Finland ordered the Israeli David's Sling system, which has missile defense capabilities. According to publicly available information, the system has not yet been delivered to the country. In addition, Israel does not allow the transfer of its weapons to Ukraine.
Finland has already transferred individual air defense assets to Ukraine, including Soviet Buk-M1 systems, Igla MANPADS and ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft guns. Potentially, Ukraine could also receive Western systems, including AIM-120 missiles for NASAMS and fighter jets, as well as RBS 70 and Stinger missiles; however, there is no public confirmation of such deliveries.
Thus, Finland can help Ukraine strengthen its air defense by purchasing US weapons through international programs, but it cannot transfer its own Patriot missiles because it does not have them in service.