Finland purchases David’s Sling long-range air defence system from Israel
David's Sling has been in service since 2017. (Photo: Israel Ministry of Defense)
David’s Sling has been in service with Israel’s defence forces since 2017, forming a part of its multi-layered air defence system, with Finland’s effort to buy the system following ongoing tensions with bordering Russia.
Finland has signed an agreement with Israel to buy the David’s Sling Weapon System, a layered air defence system, in a deal worth EUR317 million (US$338 million).
An official signing ceremony was attended by ambassador of Finland to Israel Dr Nina Nordström and Finnish defence attaché to Israel Col Oula Asteljoki, as well as Rafael CEO and president Maj Gen (Ret) Yoav Har-Even.
In 2022, Finland announced that the Rafael system was one of the final two contenders for its air defence requirements along with Israel Aerospace Industries’ Barak MX. In April, it selected David’s Sling, subject to intergovernmental agreements including with the US.
The purchased system will consist of four launcher units, a multi-mission radar (MMR) developed by Elta, and a battle management centre (BMC) known as the Golden Almond and developed by Elisra.
The MMR has the capability to detect a target after launch and transfer flight information to the BMC, which would then calculate the defence plan and pass information to trailer-mounted missile firing units, each of which has 12 vertical launch canisters for the Stunner missile.
The Stunner, a two-stage hit-to-kill missile, has a radar and an EO sensor installed in its nose.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Uncrewed ground vehicles put to the test as NATO eyes autonomous shift]()
Uncrewed ground vehicles put to the test as NATO eyes autonomous shift
The European Land Robot Trials are influenced by NATO researchers seeking to create uncrewed ground vehicle standards for allied Western forces working in multinational task forces.
-
![Russia tries to keep BMP-3 relevant with new weapon options]()
Russia tries to keep BMP-3 relevant with new weapon options
New iterations of a 57mm gun system highlight a push towards multi-role turrets capable of countering armour, drones and aerial targets.
-
![More details revealed on Kosovo’s Humvee Hawkeye 105mm order]()
More details revealed on Kosovo’s Humvee Hawkeye 105mm order
The agreement points to growing international interest in mobile and survivable artillery systems, with further orders and export opportunities already emerging.
-
![UK Defence Investment Plan: What does it mean for the British Army?]()
UK Defence Investment Plan: What does it mean for the British Army?
The UK’s Defence Investment Plan splurges big for future air and naval programmes, including new hybrid ships, but there are fewer big-ticket items for British Army vehicles. Shephard’s Damian Kemp looks at the much delayed plan.
-
![DroneShield signs agreements and US contract in the face of surging demand]()
DroneShield signs agreements and US contract in the face of surging demand
DroneShield has been at the forefront of CUAS capability despite being founded only 12 years ago. The company’s early move into the counter-drone arena has put it on the crest of the rapidly expanding technology field.
