Finland announces creation of air defence with possible integration into NATO

Commander-in-Chief of the Finnish Defence Forces Timo Kivinen said that the republic is creating an updated air defence system (air defence), and the issues of its integration into NATO are also being considered in connection with the expected entry into the organization.

Earlier it was reported that at a meeting of NATO defence ministers, 14 countries signed a declaration on the creation of a more advanced European air defence system, the public broadcasting corporation YLE reports.

It is noted that Finland is also reviewing its air defense. The project started in 2018, and the initial goal was to conclude a procurement contract by the end of 2022.

The Commander-in-Chief noted that Finland would make a decision on the project in 2023.

“We are implementing our own project to create an air defence system. It is at the stage when decisions will be made early next year,” Kivinen said.

He added that in the context of the country's accession to NATO, we are also considering issues of air and missile defence more widely. Finnish air defence will be integrated into NATO air and missile defence when we become members, Kivinen concluded.