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)
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.
More from Land Warfare
-
Elbit Systems to supply USMC with NVGs under $500 million deal
Elbit Systems of America has secured a second five-year contract to supply Squad Binocular Night Vision Goggles (SBNVG) to the US Marine Corps.
-
Texelis goes alone as it unveils Celeris
Texelis and Nexter, a KNDS company, manufacture the Serval 4x4 lightweight multi-role armoured vehicle together but Texelis has started selling the rolling chassis of the vehicle as a separate system.
-
Babcock looks to expand the profile for its General Logistics Vehicle
Babcock has developed a militarised version of the Toyota Land Cruiser 70 which retains the chassis, drive train, engine and other systems, but features a modified body and has expanded the effort to include a flat-tray variant.
-
Next set of orders due for French Army's Serval patrol vehicle
The Serval 4x4 lightweight multi-role armoured vehicle has two prime contractors – Texelis which has been contracted by the French defence procurement agency (DGA) to build and supply the rolling chassis and Nexter Systems which provides the body.
-
Rheinmetall to provide rear-facing camera for Warrior IFVs
Rheinmetall Electronics’ Trailblazer camera has been in service on the UK’s Boxer Mechanised Infantry Vehicles (MIVs) and has been been planned for the Challenger 3 MBT programme.
-
Detroit Arsenal delivers bumper month for Oshkosh Defense
Army Contracting Command, Detroit Arsenal, has selected Oshkosh Defense for multiple deals in November including contracts for medium equipment trailers and JLTVs for domestic forces and international allies.