FDF Authorised to Procure David’s Sling Air Defence System 

The Finnish Defence Forces (FDF) have been authorised by the Finnish Ministry of Defence (MoD) to order the David’s Sling long-range air defence system from Israeli defence contractor Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd, according to a press release by the ministry.

The press release does not reveal the number of systems to be procured, but the total value of the contract is given as approximately EUR 316 M, comprising a main contract value of around EUR 213 M as well as a series of exercised options valued at EUR 103 M. The contract also includes additional options with a value of roughly EUR 216 M.

Since the David’s Sling system was developed in a collaborative effort by Rafael and US defence contractor Raytheon, the sale of the system to Finland will require US government approval. However, considering Finland’s recent acceptance into NATO, this is not expected to present an obstacle.

Lastly, the contract will include a separate agreement between the Finnish and Israeli MoDs to ensure security of supply and continued availability of critical components. The exact nature of this agreement has not been revealed.

David’s Sling is an integrated air defence system designed to intercept the widest possible range of air targets, from unmanned aerial vehicles, aircraft and rockets to cruise and ballistic missiles. The system is composed of an active electronically scanned array (AESA) 3D radar; multiple launchers, each with 12 Stunner interceptor missiles; and a battle management centre (BMC). The system is designed to be integrated with existing air defence systems and can make use of cueing and targeting data from external sensors.

The Stunner interceptor is a two-stage, high-speed missile using a combination of datalink guidance and terminal homing. On launch the booster stage rapidly accelerates the missile and propels it to a high altitude. At this point, the pulsed sustainer motor of the second stage takes over as the missile is guided via datalink to a predicted intercept point, where the missile’s own dual-band seeker (focal-plane-array optical and imaging infrared) acquires the target and guides the missile to intercept. Rather than an explosive warhead with a proximity fuze, the missile uses a hit-to-kill kinetic warhead. This relies on the precision of the terminal guidance and the manoeuvrability of the missile to ensure a direct impact with the target, which is destroyed through kinetic energy. The exact maximum range of the weapon has not been confirmed, but is believed to be 250-300 km.

The datalink connection between the missile and the BMC allows retargeting of the missile during flight and increases resistance to enemy electronic countermeasures.  The system has a rapid response time and is capable of engaging multiple targets simultaneously. At the same time the Stunner interceptor is designed for relative affordability, thereby increasing the system’s overall cost-effectiveness against saturation attacks.

Finnish industry will also benefit from the procurement, as Finnish companies will participate, together with Rafael and Raytheon, in the integration of David’s Sling into Finland’s existing air defence network.

Thomas Lauge Nielson