The Finnish Navy is buying a missile system from Israel.
The Gabriel 2020 surface-to-surface missile system is manufactured by the state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries.
It will replace the current Swedish-made anti-ship missile system, which will reach the end of its lifespan in the 2020s. The missiles will be installed aboard the Hamina Class and Squadron 2020 Class vessels and on a vehicle platform, and may remain in use into the 2050s.
The Israeli firm won the Finnish Defence Forces’ bidding competition, beating out rival bids from the original Swedish supplier as well as companies from Norway, France and the US.
"A deterrent and a threat to the adversary"
The deal is worth at least 162 million euros, with an option for more orders later.
The missiles, launchers and other equipment are to be delivered between 2019 and 2025. The FDF has not revealed details of how many missiles are included in the order.
In a statement, the armed forces say the new system "will create a deterrent and a threat to the adversary as well as a capability for Finland to respond to the threats of the modern and developing battlefield". _ _
