Breaking Defense:

Finland has announced it will acquire the US-Israeli-made David’s Sling long-range air defense system at a cost of €316 million ($345 million), just a day after it became the newest member of NATO and amid a potential Russian buildup up on Finnish borders.

The acquisition will deliver a “new capability for the Finnish Defence Forces to intercept targets at high altitude,” noted Finland’s Ministry of Defense (MoD) in a statement. It added that a minimum flight altitude requirement of 15,000 meters had been included in an industry request for quotation.

Funding of approximately €213 million, excluding value-added tax, covers the “main contract,” with an additional €103 million covering “options,” according to the MoD. A separate decision will be required for the options to be exercised. Finland and the Israeli Ministry of Defense will agree on a “security of supply” pact as part of the procurement contract. The sale to Finland is also subject to US approval.

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