Finland signs $174 million deal to buy two advanced surveillance aircraft

Europe, News July 3, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

Finland has announced the procurement of two advanced surveillance aircraft from the U.S.-based Sierra Nevada Corporation for $174 million. This move is part of Helsinki’s broader strategy to bolster its border defenses amid escalating security concerns.

The new aircraft, manufactured by Canada’s Bombardier and customized by Sierra Nevada, will replace Finland’s aging twin-turboprop planes in 2026 and 2027. These planes will have advanced technical systems and modern surveillance sensors to enhance their monitoring capabilities.

Specifically, Finland has chosen Sierra Nevada’s RAPCON-X jet for its new border surveillance and reconnaissance solution. The RAPCON-X technology will be integrated into Bombardier Challenger 650 aircraft, providing high reliability, increased range, endurance, and an operational envelope that enhances survivability. This setup offers significant improvements in operating time and area coverage, crucial for Finland’s extensive border surveillance needs.

Sierra Nevada emphasized that the RAPCON-X-configured aircraft will be tailored to Finland’s modern border surveillance requirements, enhancing the country’s ability to monitor and secure its territorial integrity. The aircraft will support various missions, including land and sea border patrols, search and rescue operations, and marine environmental damage detection.

Technical capabilities

The RAPCON-X technology is known for its ability to provide persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) at high altitudes for up to 14 hours. This long-endurance capability is vital for maintaining continuous surveillance over Finland’s vast border regions. The system allows for multi-domain ISR, long-range precision sensing, and rapid target maneuvering, making it a versatile tool for national security.

RAPCON-X aerial intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft — *^{Rapidly Configurable to any mission (X) aerial intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft. (Image Credit: Sierra Nevada Corporation)}*

Tim Owings, Executive Vice President of SNC’s Mission Solutions and Technologies business area, highlighted the RAPCON-X’s interoperability and upgradability, which ensure that it can support Finland’s security infrastructure and NATO operations for the next 30 years.

“The rapidly configurable nature of RAPCON-X increases interoperability across Finland’s national security infrastructure, as well as NATO, and sets the Finnish Border Guard up for mission success now and in the future,” Owings said.

Increased border security

Late last year, Finland closed all crossing points for travelers along its 833-mile border with Russia indefinitely, following an influx of around 1,300 migrants from countries such as Syria and Somalia. The Finnish government believes that Russia could potentially facilitate more migrants across the border, a claim that Moscow denies.

“The new surveillance aircraft will significantly increase Finland’s capability in border security and maritime security tasks, which is important in our difficult-to-predict security environment,” stated Chief of Finland’s Border and Coast Guard Division Matti Sarasmaa.

The acquisition of the RAPCON-X jets comes as Baltic states, including Finland, are enhancing their border defenses due to heightened security concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In May, Finland, along with five other NATO members, agreed to construct a “drone wall” to protect their borders from potential provocations.

Finland joined NATO Support and Procurement Agency Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) Support Partnership — *^{Finland joined the NATO Support and Procurement Agency Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) Support Partnership as a full member. (Image Credit: NSPA)}*

Additionally, Finland approved a defense pact with the United States, allowing for the presence and training of American forces and the prepositioning of defense materials in the country.

Josh Walsh, Vice President of Programs at Sierra Nevada, expressed the company’s commitment to supporting Finland’s border defense efforts. “RAPCON-X is uniquely suited for Finland’s immense maritime and border patrol challenges. We are humbled and honored to work alongside the Finnish Border Guard to bring this new capability to their force,” Walsh said.