Unmanned aerial system capability strengthened through additional procurements

The Finnish Defence Forces will acquire additional unmanned aerial systems (UAS) suitable for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) as well as target acquisition, including associated equipment and spare parts. Deliveries of the systems will begin at the start of next year.

The unmanned aerial systems are procured by the Defence Forces Logistics Command through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA). The procurement utilises the framework agreement between NSPA and the Finnish company Boston Group Oy.

- The layered employment of diverse and continuously evolving unmanned aerial capabilities is a key element of modern warfare. This procurement strengthens ISR and target acquisition conducted with unmanned systems. The Parrot drones currently in service have provided a solid foundation for micro UAS training and operations within the Defence Forces, and their use will continue. The Parrot Anafi UKR drone now being procured represents a significant improvement in capability compared to existing systems and has been developed based on observations and experiences from Ukraine, says Lieutenant Colonel Jaakko Kauppinen, Head of Army Aviation at the Army Headquarters.

The value of the procurement, including VAT, is approximately EUR 15 million.