Finland makes deal to buy Tucson-made missiles from US
Feb 7, 2018, 4:13 AM
PHOENIX — Some missiles made in Tucson could soon be shipped nearly halfway around the globe after the United States agreed to sell some weapons to Finland.
The Defense News reported that the European nation agreed to the $112.7 million purchase price as part of an increase in defense spending.
Finland, while not a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, has looked to make closer ties to prevent potential Russian aggression in past years.
The deal would send 68 Evolved Seasparrow Missiles to the nation, along with one inert operational missile. Those are made by Raytheon Missile Systems, located near the Tucson International Airport.
The weapons would be placed on Finland’s Squadron 2020-class Corvette ships that are defending critical sea lanes.
A further $622 million would be used to purchase numerous surface-launched Harpoon weapons that will be placed on multiple ships and coastal batteries. Those are made by other companies outside of Arizona.
It would be the first time the European nation — which shares a border with Russia — has purchased such weapons.
