Army of Finland to get Rafael-Raytheon David’s Sling long-range air defence system.

The Finnish Ministry of Defence has authorised the Defence Forces to procure the David’s Sling system as the next long-range air defence system of Finland. Rafael Advanced Defense Systems (Israel) will deliver the system. The value of the procurement without VAT is approximately 316 million euros.
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Missile firing test with David's Sling air defense system (Picture source: United States Missile Defense Agency/Wikipedia)

The David’s Sling system will extend the operational range of Finland’s ground-based air defence capabilities significantly. The minimum flight altitude requirement of the system was set at 15,000 meters in the request for quotation.

Minister of Defence Antti Kaikkonen said: ‘’This acquisition will create a new capability for the Finnish Defence Forces to intercept targets at high altitude. At the same time, we are continuing the ambitious and long-term development of Finland’s defence capability in a new security environment’’.

The procurement consists of a main contract worth approximately 213 million euros excluding VAT and the immediate exercise of options linked to the main contract worth 103 million euros excluding VAT. The contract includes further options worth 216 million euros excluding VAT. The possible exercise of these options requires a separate decision.

The procurement contract will include a separate part between the Israeli 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.

The David’s Sling system has been jointly developed by Israel and the United States. Hence, the sale of the system to Finland will require a sales release by the United States Government. Finnish industry, together with Rafael and Raytheon, will participate in the integration of the system and in the planning and equipping of the command and control elements.

David's Sling is an air defense system developed jointly by Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and the American defense contractor Raytheon. The system is designed to intercept and destroy a wide range of incoming aerial threats, including short- and medium-range ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and aircraft. The system consists of several components, including:
* Multi-Mission Radar (MMR): this is the primary sensor of the system. It uses phased-array technology to detect and track incoming threats from long ranges. The MMR is capable of simultaneously tracking multiple targets and providing target data to other components of the system.
* Battle Management Center (BMC): the BMC is the command and control center of the system. It receives target data from the MMR and other sensors, evaluates the threat level, and determines the appropriate response. The BMC also provides situational awareness to the operators and commanders.
* Interceptor missiles: the interceptor missiles are designed to intercept and destroy incoming threats. The system uses two types of interceptors: the Stunner and the Tamir. The Stunner is a two-stage interceptor designed to intercept medium-range ballistic missiles and cruise missiles, while the Tamir is a single-stage interceptor designed to intercept short-range ballistic missiles and aircraft.
* Launchers: the launchers are mobile platforms that carry the interceptor missiles. Each launcher is capable of carrying multiple interceptors and can be deployed in a variety of locations.

When an incoming threat is detected by the MMR, the data is sent to the BMC for evaluation. If the threat is deemed to be credible, the BMC will determine the appropriate response and launch the appropriate interceptor missile from a launcher. The interceptor missile will then use its onboard guidance system to track and intercept the incoming threat.

The David's Sling system can be integrated with other air defense systems, such as the Iron Dome and Patriot systems, to provide a comprehensive and layered defense against aerial threats.

Defense News April 2023