The Finnish version of the system will be jointly developed by Israeli and American industries, led by Rafael Advanced Systems and Raytheon Technologies Cooperation.
By United with Israel Staff
The US Government has approved the procurement of the Israeli “David’s Sling” Weapon System to Finland, the Israeli Ministry of Defense announced Wednesday.
Following the approval, the Israeli and Finnish Defense Ministries along with Rafael Advanced Systems will participate in signing ceremony for a procurement agreement worth approximately 316 million Euros, the Israeli ministry added.
“David’s Sling” is an advanced missile defense system co-developed and co-produced by Israel and the US. The industrial team is led by Rafael Advanced Systems. The system intercepts advanced threats, including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones.
Under the deal, Israel will sell the David’s Sling Weapon System to Finland, which includes Israeli-US co-produced interceptors and Israeli-produced missile launchers and radar systems. The Finnish version of the system will be jointly developed by Israeli and American industries, led by Rafael Advanced Systems and Raytheon Technologies Cooperation, in partnership with Finnish industries, each contributing to specific tasks. The system will be integrated into Finland’s command and control systems.
“The approval granted by the US government today for the sale of the David’s Sling, a co-developed system by Israel and the United States, marks a significant step towards the realization of a historic agreement between Israel and Finland,” Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said.
“Thanks to groundbreaking technologies developed by the defense industry’s brightest minds, such as David’s Sling, we are able to bolster our ties with countries around the world, strengthen our security, and enhance Israel’s global position. I would like to thank the Finnish government and my colleague, the Finnish Minister of Defence, Mr. Antti Häkkänen, for their trust in the Israeli defense establishment and industry. I’m confident that this agreement will constitute a new milestone in the cooperation between our countries that will improve our response to global and regional threats.
“I’d like to extend my gratitude to my esteemed colleague, General Lloyd Austin, the United States Secretary of Defense, and the American administration for their support in this important agreement,” Gallant added.
“The Israel Ministry of Defense would like to express its gratitude to the American government for approving the sale of the David’s Sling weapon system to Finland, a system that was jointly developed by Israel and the United States,” Director General of the Israel Ministry of Defense, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Eyal Zamir said.
“The Israel Ministry of Defense will closely cooperate with the US government throughout the entire process. We are hopeful that Finland’s expression of confidence in the Israeli missile defense system, along with the American approval of the sale, will encourage additional European countries to enhance cooperation with Israel’s defense establishment and defense industries.”