David's Sling to guard Finnish skies
David's Sling pictured during a test firing. (Photo: US DoD)
Finland will procure David's Sling as its next long-range air defence system, following authorisation from the country's MoD.
Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems will deliver the system under a deal worth approximately €316 million.
New to the Finnish Defence Forces, the system will allow for the interception of targets at high altitude and continues the defence relationship between the Nordic nation and Israel.
Related Articles
Aeronautics to upgrade Finland's small UAS fleet as country cements NATO entry
Last year, Finland announced that the Rafael system was one of the final two contenders for its air defence requirements alongside the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) Barak MX.
A separate agreement will be included in the contract between the Israeli and Finnish ministries of defence to ensure supply security for the system.
No sale of the system can go ahead without a sales release by the US government, as Raytheon co-developed the system with Rafael.
David's Sling has been in service with the Israel Defense Forces since 2017, forming a part of its multi-layered air defence system.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
Rheinmetall looks to international partners as its sales grow
Rheinmetall has been riding high for several years as countries look to buy artillery and budgets boom.
-
US Marine Corps force transformation on track, according to update
The US Marines Corps’ Force Design 2030 is about restructure, changes to operational concepts, a refresh of equipment and new categories of equipment. The review indicates a high level of success.
-
BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90120 medium tank takes shape
The new vehicle will be based on the CV90 Mk IV chassis and turret, and will be armed with a Rheinmetall 120mm L44A1 low recoil smoothbore gun.
-
Ukraine receives more Patriot batteries as Centauros break cover
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced the arrival of more Patriot air defence systems in his country. The development follows the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha calling for 10 more systems last month and Zelenskyy reiterating the need for more.