Finland approves $345 million deal for David’s Sling long range air defense system
The acquisition will deliver a “new capability for the Finnish Defence Forces to intercept targets at high altitude,” noted Finland’s Ministry of Defense (MoD) in a statement.
The Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO) of the Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D) and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) successfully completed a series of tests of the David’s Sling Weapon System. (DVIDS)
Finland has announced it will acquire the US-Israeli-made David’s Sling long-range air defense system at a cost of €316 million ($345 million), just a day after it became the newest member of NATO and amid a potential Russian buildup up on Finnish borders.
The acquisition will deliver a “new capability for the Finnish Defence Forces to intercept targets at high altitude,” noted Finland’s Ministry of Defense (MoD) in a statement. It added that a minimum flight altitude requirement of 15,000 meters had been included in an industry request for quotation.
Funding of approximately €213 million, excluding value-added tax, covers the “main contract,” with an additional €103 million covering “options,” according to the MoD. A separate decision will be required for the options to be exercised. Finland and the Israeli Ministry of Defense will agree on a “security of supply” pact as part of the procurement contract. The sale to Finland is also subject to US approval.
Prime contractors Rafael, based in Israel, and Raytheon, based in the US, will be supported by Finnish industry to integrate the system and manage “equipping of the command and control elements,” noted the Finnish MoD.