Saab has received an order from the Finnish defence force for the Next-generation Light Anti-tank Weapon (NLAW) system, the company announced on 30 October.
Deliveries are set to take place during 2017.
This order is a call-up of an option as part of a previous contract with Finland, announced in 2015, regarding delivery of NLAW weapon systems.
The NLAW is a shoulder-launched missile system for dismounted light infantry that can engage the target from above. It was first developed for the UK and Sweden.
Görgen Johansson, head of Saab's business area Dynamics, said: ‘The interest for our NLAW system has increased significantly in recent years.
‘This order is a strong proof of this and we look forward to deliver a high capability weapon system to the Finnish defence forces. NLAW provides the single soldier with a true anti-tank capability, previously not available on the battlefield.’
If all goes to plan, initial delivery of the selected vehicle could take place in 2029/2030 with final delivery in 2031/2032. The Bv206 were supplied to Canada many years ago and are in urgent need of replacement. More than 11,000 Bv206 were built for worldwide sale.
The One-Way Effector (OWE) is a ground-launched missile or drome designed to act as a swarm to overwhelm air defence systems. It was displayed for the first time in Paris this week.
The new artillery and howitzer factory pre-dates the emphasis on this capability from this month’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR). The first joint industry-government meeting outlined in the review took place this week.
Romania received its first Cobra MkII 4×4 light tactical armoured vehicles, ordered Abrams main battle tanks (MBTs) and VAMTAC light vehicles, and is set to invest billions-of-dollars in infantry fighting vehicles.
The Italian Army operates Pumas in 6×6 and 4×4 configurations but the platforms are ageing and numbers have fallen with obsolescence also being an issue. Any replacement is likely to have a focus on the involvement of local industry.
The VAMTAC (Vehículo de Alta Movilidad Táctico or High Mobility Tactical Vehicle) 4×4 by Urovesa is in service with or has been ordered by eight countries, the most recent being Spain this month and Romania last month.
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