Israel says US has given green light to send David’s Sling to Finland

[dani191]

Israel says US has given green light to send David’s Sling to Finland​

Finland approved the purchase of the air defense system in April, a day after joining NATO.​

By SETH J. FRANTZMANon August 02, 2023 at 4:16 PM

The Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO) of the Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D) and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) successfully completed a series of tests of the David’s Sling Weapon System on Dec. 21, 2015. (Missile Defense Agency)
JERUSALEM — The US approved the sale of David’s Sling, the air defense system jointly developed by Israel and the US, to Finland, according to the Israeli military, clearing likely the last diplomatic hurdle for the $345 million deal.
“The approval granted by the U.S. government today for the sale of the David’s Sling […] marks a significant step towards the realization of a historic agreement between Israel and Finland,” Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said in a statement today, announcing the approval from the US. He called the news a “new milestone in the cooperation between our countries that will improve our response to global and regional threats.”
The Finnish government approved the purchase of the air defense system in April, the day after it officially joined NATO, and the deal’s completion had been eagerly awaited. On July 25 Gallant had mentioned the importance of completing the sale in a discussion with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, according to a statement from Gallant’s office at the time.
Yuval Steinitz, chairman of David’s Sling-maker Rafael, said that the system, already operational in Israel, “will significantly enhance Finland’s air defense capabilities and we anticipate more agreements in the future.”
The Israeli ministry of defense said the system “intercepts advanced threats including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, drones and more.” The system has been operational in Israel since 2017 and achieved several interceptions in May when rockets were launched from Gaza toward Tel Aviv.

“The Finnish version of the system will be jointly developed by Israeli and American industries, led by Rafael Advanced Systems and [America’s Raytheon], in partnership with Finnish industries, each contributing to specific tasks. The system will be integrated into Finland’s command and control systems,” Israel’s Ministry of Defense said.
Director General of the Israel Ministry of Defense, Eyal Zamir, said the Israeli MoD 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.”

Israel says US has given green light to send David's Sling to Finland - Breaking Defense

Finland approved the purchase of the air defense system in April, a day after joining NATO.

breakingdefense.com

 

[Broccoli]

Long time coming.

They first were looking at longer range SAM early as 2000s but eventually bought NASAMS since there wasnt many modern systems around.

 

[khansaheeb]

Poor Fins will get crushed by the Russians.

 

[Broccoli]

Poor Fins will get crushed by the Russians.

There are only around 5000 Russian soldiers near Finland (others are dying in Ukraine) and all their heavy equipment has been also shipped into Ukraine.

How are they gonna crush Finland?

 

[Beny Karachun]

Poor Fins will get crushed by the Russians.

Lol, Finnish military would take Saint Petersburg in no time, Russia is a joke

 

[A Voice of Reason]

Poor Fins will get crushed by the Russians.

It seems obvious that Russia is wearing itself out in Ukraine. And their efforts thus far seem totally underwhelming. They have little strength left for other foreign adventures like attempting yo "crush" Finland. They cannot even spare the resources to come to Armenia's aid which they were bound to do by treaty.
Still rockets and drones can cause alot of damage, so this air defence purchase seems sensible.

 

[aziqbal]

Only Jewish state refuses to help only Jewish president

Jewish are their own biggest enemy

 

[A Voice of Reason]

Only Jewish state refuses to help only Jewish president

Jewish are their own biggest enemy

Oh yes but you have it slighty wrong. It's the Ukrainian president who presides over a country that consistently votes against Israel in all the UNGA votes. And then insists Israel gives Ukraine weapons despite Israel having to deal with Russia on its doorstep in Syria.
Generally when asking friends to help you, it is considered proper to desist, however briefly, from stabbing that friend in the back first.

Having said all that, Israel provides Ukraine, despite the latter's backstabbing at the UN, what help it can while still walking a tight rope with Russia...

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