Finland to buy Israeli air defense missile system

Europe, Middle East, News April 10, 2023 , by IRIA No Comments

The Finnish Ministry of Defense has decided to buy an Israeli-made David’s Sling air defense missile system in a deal that would be worth up to $345 million. The announcement came days after Finland formally became a member of the NATO alliance.

Finland’s Ministry of Defence released a statement regarding the purchase stating that it “authorized the Finnish Defence Forces to procure David’s Sling system as the next long-range air defense system of Finland.

Finnish Minister of Defence Antti Kaikkonen added in the statement that the “acquisition will create a new capability for the Finnish Defence Forces to intercept targets at high altitudes. At the same time, we are continuing the ambitious and long-term development of Finland’s defense capability in a new security environment.”

Also known as the “Magic Wand”, David’s Sling was jointly developed by the Israel Missile Defense Organization and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency. Israel-based Rafael Advanced Defense Systems served as the prime contractor for the development. Rafael also makes the Iron Dome air defense system, which is for shorter-range threats.

The Finnish MOD has informed the IMoD of its decision to procure the David’s Sling advanced air defense system, an agreement valued at approx. 316 million Euros. The system is designed to intercept advanced aerial threats: ballistic missiles, aircrafts, UAVs & cruise missiles pic.twitter.com/1YgLRhX1b0
— Ministry of Defense (@Israel_MOD) April 6, 2023

Rafael was initially awarded a contract to develop a defense system to counter the threat of medium- to long-range rockets with ranges between 70 and 250 km. Later, under the financial aid provided by the United States to further develop the system Rafael partnered with the U.S.-based Raytheon which developed the missile firing unit and handled the overall logistic system as well as assisted Rafael with developing the interceptor missiles. Raytheon refers to the project as the “Stunner” missile defense system. The interceptor uses a two-stage missile with two targeting and guidance systems installed in its nose-tip.

The Finnish version of the system will be manufactured and integrated as a collaboration between Israeli, American, and Finnish contractors, led by Rafael and Raytheon Technologies.

The Finnish Ministry of Defense statement also highlighted that “the procurement contract will include a separate part between the Israel Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Defence of Finland to ensure the security of supply of the system. The arrangement will ensure the availability of critical system components in all security situations.”

*^{Israel’s David’s Sling weapons system stunner missile successfully completed a series of tests. (Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons)}*

Finland has been increasing its missile and air defense capabilities in the light of Russia-Ukraine war. Earlier this month, Finland formally became the 31st member of NATO, the world’s largest military alliance.

Finland shares one of the longest European borders with Russia stretching up to 1340 kilometers. Russia’s second-largest city and President Vladimir Putin’s hometown, St Petersburg is only 150 kilometers away from the Finnish border. With Finland’s accession to the NATO alliance and its increased focus on military modernization, Russia sees the Nordic country as a new challenge on its North Western border.