Finland’s defence ministry said on Saturday that the country has decided to purchase anti-aircraft equipment from one of two Israeli companies, either Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) or Rafael Advanced Systems.
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.
