National defense Finland is acquiring more air defense from Israel, and negotiations are continuing with the two companies

Minister of Defense Antti Kaikkonen (Central) has decided to continue talks with two Israeli companies to develop high-level air defense capabilities, the defense ministry said on Saturday.

In October 2020, the Defense Forces Logistics Department sent invitations to tender for high-level defense to five companies: Diehl Defense (Germany), Israel Aerospace Industries (Israel), Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace AS (Norway), MBDA (UK) and Rafael Advanced Systems (Israel). .

Of these negotiations are now continuing with Israel Aerospace Industries and Rafael Advanded Systems.

The first round of negotiations ended with the receipt of preliminary bids in November 2021.

Evaluation as a result, with particular emphasis on the performance of the anti-aircraft missile systems offered, negotiations with two Israeli companies were concluded, the Ministry of Defense said in a statement.

The goal is for the procurement decision for the chosen system to be made in early 2023.

The better high-level combat capability will be increased by acquiring an anti-aircraft missile system, which will enable combat in all altitude ranges. Possible subsystems to be procured include a missile launcher, radar, missiles and related integration, the ministry said.

Last year, the Government’s defense report outlined that the high-level air defense capability would be improved and the volume of defense would be increased with the anti-aircraft missile system to be acquired during the reporting period.

Minister of Defense Antti Kaikkonen said in Yle’s Ykkösaamu that he would present additional funding to the Defense Forces for the next supplementary budget.

According to the Minister, the Defense Forces need additional funding both on a fast schedule this year and in the longer term. According to him, additional investments are needed in both material procurement and staff. You also want to invest in rehearsals.

On Friday, Kaikkonen discussed the need for additional money for the Defense Forces Annika Saarikon (center).