Finland May Replace Russian SAM System
By Gerard O'Dwyer
Published: 21 Jan 16:47 EST (21:47 GMT)
Helsinki - Finland's Ministry of Defense (MoD) is considering proposals to upgrade the capability of the country's surface-to-air missile system (SAMS) that could result in replacement of its Russian-built 9K37 Buk-M1 (SA-11 Gadfly) system.
Finland took delivery of 18 Gadfly missile systems in 2006, as part of a military hardware for Soviet-era debt barter deal negotiated between the Finnish and Russian governments. The value of the deal amounted to $300 million. The Gadfly is currently halfway through its life cycle.
The MoD is examining possible NATO-standard SAMS replacement versions, including the Norwegian-Kongsberg NASAMS and the French-Italian SAMP/T system. The project procurement costs are estimated at $700 million.
Defense Minister Jyri Häkämies declined to comment on who the possible candidates in the proposed SAMS replacement are. One MoD source said the project is in a "sensitive phase." The 2009 defense budget makes no special reference to funding for a new SAMS.
The Finnish Air Force hopes that a new NATO-based SAMS could be in place by 2012, said Lt. Col. Sampo Eskelinen, Defense Forces Staff spokesman. The FAF's view is that "modernizing" the Gadfly missiles may not be practical, Eskelinen said.
The Kongsberg NASAMS, which has a range of 16 miles, could be deployed on the FAF's fleet of F-18C/D Hornet fighter jets. The Gadfly has a range of 22 miles, while the French-Italian SAMP/T has a range of 62 miles.
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