Finland orders Swedish air defence system as part of a EUR108 million investment aimed at strengthening the country’s ability to defend its airspace against modern aerial threats. The agreement will provide the Finnish Defence Forces with Saab’s RBS 70 NG short-range missile system, expanding Finland’s ground-based air defence at a time when European security remains under close attention.
The decision reflects Finland’s long-term approach to military preparedness. Rather than responding to a single event, the government continues to build a defence structure that can adapt to changing security challenges, including the growing use of drones and increasingly advanced military aircraft.
The Finnish Ministry of Defence confirmed that Defence Minister Antti Hakkanen has authorised the purchase of the RBS 70 NG system from Swedish defence manufacturer Saab Bofors Dynamics.
The new system will increase the geographical reach of Finland’s ground-based air defence network, allowing the military to protect more locations across the country. Broader coverage is becoming increasingly important as modern conflicts demonstrate that threats can emerge quickly and target both military installations and civilian infrastructure.
Officials say the purchase is designed to strengthen existing capabilities rather than replace them entirely.
The RBS 70 NG is the latest generation of Finland’s long-serving ITO05M mobile surface-to-air missile system. Earlier versions have remained in service with the Finnish Defence Forces for more than 20 years, providing reliable short-range air defence.
The upgraded version introduces improved technology that enables operators to respond more effectively to today’s air threats. This includes traditional military aircraft as well as unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones.
Recent conflicts have shown that drones have become an important part of modern warfare. They can be used for surveillance, intelligence gathering and direct attacks. As a result, many European countries are investing in systems capable of detecting and intercepting these smaller and faster targets.
Defence Minister Antti Hakkanen described the purchase as one part of a much broader effort to modernise Finland’s national air defence.
According to the ministry, protecting the country requires different layers of defence, with each system designed to respond to specific types of threats. Short-range missile systems such as the RBS 70 NG play an important role by protecting military units, strategic facilities and critical infrastructure from low-flying aircraft and drones.
The government views this procurement as another step in maintaining a defence force that can respond effectively under a wide range of operational conditions.
Finland orders Swedish air defence system as part of a wider investment in military readiness rather than a short-term response to current events.
The procurement includes more than missile launchers alone. The agreement also covers missile ammunition, training equipment and a complete maintenance system. These supporting elements are essential because modern defence capability depends not only on advanced weapons but also on well-trained personnel and reliable long-term maintenance.
The Ministry of Defence expects the full capability to become operational before the end of the 2020s.
Training will take place primarily at the Salpausselka Air Defence Battalion of the Karelia Brigade in Vekaranjarvi, Kouvola.
The programme will include professional military personnel, conscripts and reservists. Finland’s defence model relies heavily on reserve forces, making continuous training an important part of maintaining national readiness.
By introducing the new system into military training well before it becomes fully operational, the Finnish Defence Forces aim to ensure that personnel are prepared to use the equipment effectively from the start.
The purchase is part of Finland’s broader defence modernisation programme following the country’s accession to NATO.
Since joining the alliance, Finland has continued to strengthen its military capabilities across multiple areas, including air defence, surveillance and interoperability with allied forces.
The focus is not limited to conventional aircraft. Defence planners are placing greater emphasis on countering drones and other emerging aerial threats that have become increasingly common in modern military operations.
The Ministry of Defence said the contract is valued at EUR108 million before value added tax.
While the investment represents a significant financial commitment, it also reflects Finland’s long-standing policy of maintaining a capable and modern defence force. Security experts increasingly agree that effective national defence depends on continuous investment rather than periodic upgrades.
For Finland, the acquisition of the RBS 70 NG is another practical step toward ensuring that its armed forces remain prepared for the changing demands of today’s security environment.
