According to the ministry, Finland extended bids to five firms in October 2020, including Germany’s Diehl Defence, Norway’s Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, the United Kingdom’s MBDA, and the two Israeli companies are shortlisted now.
“Through this scheme, we will improve the
anti-aircraft defence’s high-altitude capability and greatly expand its reach,”
the ministry said in a statement.
Finland is not a NATO
member but shares a long border with Russia. In response to Russia’s war in
Ukraine, the country recently opted to increase defence spending and strengthen
collaboration with the US.
According to the
ministry, Finland wants to purchase equipment such as transporter erector
launchers, radar systems, missiles, and related integration equipment under the
anti-aircraft project, with a final purchase decision expected in early 2023.
