President of the Republic and Ministerial Committee discuss Syria and the strategic capability projects of the Defence Forces

On Tuesday 4 October, the President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed the serious crisis in Syria, including the actions of Russia. Finland strongly condemns the intentional targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure such as hospitals. The situation in Aleppo, in particular, is unbearable and the city is now facing a humanitarian disaster. The parties to the conflict must commit to a nationwide ceasefire and to ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches the city.

The strategic capability projects of the Finnish Defence Forces were also on the agenda of the meeting. The work on developing the Finnish defence system includes the HX Fighter Program and the Squadron 2020 project. During the 2020s these are to replace the operational capability of the Air Force F/A-18 aircraft and the Navy's capabilities which will become outdated.

Inquiries: Jukka Salovaara, Director General, tel. +358 295 350 636, Ministry for Foreign Affairs; Lauri Puranen, Project Coordinator (capability projects), tel. +358 295 140 403, Ministry of Defence.