Finland Strengthens Air Defence with €108 Million Swedish Missile System

Finland is boosting its national security by purchasing a new generation of Swedish-made air defence systems worth €108 million.

The Finnish Ministry of Defence announced that the country will acquire the RBS 70 NG short-range air defence system from Sweden's Saab Bofors Dynamics. The upgraded system will strengthen Finland's ability to protect a wider area from modern aerial threats, including drones, helicopters, and aircraft.

Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen said the purchase is part of Finland's broader plan to build a stronger and more modern air defence network capable of responding to a wide range of security threats.

The new system is an advanced version of the RBS 70 missile system, which has been used by the Finnish Defence Forces for more than 20 years. According to the ministry, it will significantly improve the country's air defence capabilities.

Training for soldiers, conscripts, and reservists will mainly take place at the Salpausselkä Air Defence Battalion in Vekaranjärvi, Kouvola.

The €108 million procurement includes missile systems, ammunition, training equipment, and maintenance support. The new air defence system is expected to be fully operational by the end of the 2020s.

This investment marks another important step in Finland's efforts to strengthen its national defence and preparedness in an increasingly uncertain security environment.