Finland announces new aid package for Ukraine
Finland decided to allocate the 14th package of military aid to Ukraine, which included three Leopard 2 mine-clearing tanks. Finnish Defense Minister Antti Kaikkonen said Ukraine had also asked for Hornet fighter jets, but he said the Finns still needed them, reports MTV Uutiset.
The website of the Ministry of Defense of Finland states that the cost of the 14th aid package is about 161 million euros. The total cost of all packages of defense equipment from the Finns adds up to about 910 million euros.
"Finland will hand over three Leopard 2 mine-clearing tanks to Ukraine, as well as provide training related to their use and maintenance," the Ministry of Defense reports.
The new aid package also included ammunition and heavy weapons. For security reasons, Finland does not disclose the specific contents of the package and delivery period.
Kaikkonen also confirmed to journalists that Ukraine has officially requested and hopes to discuss the transfer of F/A-18 Hornet fighters.
But, according to the minister, from the point of view of his department, this issue is "not pressing".
"For the next few years, we will need Hornets for our own use," the minister said.
Earlier, he already explained that starting in 2026, Finland will receive new F-35 aircraft, but in the next few years, Hornets will still be needed.
- Finland's first three Leopard 2-based mine-clearing tanks were included in the 13th military aid package announced by the Finns on February 23.
- On March 10, after a visit to Kyiv, Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin did not rule out the transfer of old Finnish Hornet fighters to Ukraine.
