Aeronautics to upgrade Finland's small UAS fleet as country cements NATO entry
Finland selected the Orbiter 2 in 2012, ordering 180 aircraft across 45 systems. (Photo: Finnish Defence Forces)
Israeli UAV manufacturer Aeronautics has signed a contract with the Finnish Defence Forces to upgrade the country's Orbiter 2 mini-UAS fleet.
Aeronautics has signed a mid-life upgrade contract with the Finnish Defense Forces (FDF) for its in-service Orbiter 2 Mini UAS fleet.
Aeronautics will provide the customer with a comprehensive package that includes a full suite of sensors, avionics, and data-processing systems to enhance system performance.
The contract will also involve a transfer of know-how, increasing self-sufficiency, and underpinning maintenance and support capabilities over ten years.
Related Articles
Elbit selected by Finland for radio comms contract
General Atomics offers two UAS to Ukraine for a dollar
Aeronautics inks agreement for producing Orbiter 4 UAVs in Thailand
'We are delighted to be reinforcing our relationship with the Finnish Defence Forces through this new contract,' said Matan Perry, VP marketing and sales at Aeronautics. 'This mid-life upgrade of the Orbiter 2 will significantly extend its lifespan, assuring the FDF high-quality, cost-efficient, tactical ISR capabilities for the next decade.'
According to Shephard Defence Insight, in May 2012, Finland's MoD selected the Orbiter 2 for a 20-year programme to equip, train and support tactical ground forces. As part of the contract, worth a then $31 million, Aeronautics would provide up to 45 Orbiter systems, comprising up to 180 uncrewed aircraft.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Poland approved for another buy of AMRAAMs under $1.3 billion deal]()
Poland approved for another buy of AMRAAMs under $1.3 billion deal
The deal is for 400 AIM-120D-3 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM). It increases the stocks the country already has and follows a US$1.7 billion order for 745 missiles approved in March last year.
-
![Italian Army receives first UH-169D light utility helicopter]()
Italian Army receives first UH-169D light utility helicopter
The delivery is the first in a total of 25 helicopters on order, with all deliveries expected to be completed by 2027.
-
![Norway receives final F-35 aircraft and unveils first Joint Strike Missile delivery]()
Norway receives final F-35 aircraft and unveils first Joint Strike Missile delivery
Work has begun on stockpiling the Joint Strike Missile (JSM), following the first missile’s delivery from Kongsberg and the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency.
-
![US Air Force has big plans for the F-47]()
US Air Force has big plans for the F-47
The USAF Chief of Staff has claimed that the sixth-generation fighter would allow for guaranteeing “air superiority for generations to come”.
-
![India and France seal Rafale-M deal as plans for local assembly advance]()
India and France seal Rafale-M deal as plans for local assembly advance
Inter-governmental agreement signed as final assembly line plans inch closer.
