ThalesRaytheonSystems Delivers Ground Master radar first to Finland

An official ceremony was Held on January 15 at Finnish Air Force headquarters in Tikkakoski to mark the delivery of a TRS by Ground Master 400 (GM 400) long-range air defense radar system. The ceremony was presided by the Chief of Staff of the Finnish Air Force, Brigadier-General Kari Salmi.

This system is the first of 12 radar systems ordered by the Finnish Air Force to Provide extended monitoring of the nation's airspace. The radars are designed to operate at fixed locations or under a radome for rapid deployment in the field in less than two hours.

After extensive test campaign year, the GM 400 HAS successfully completed website constitutes acceptance procedures with the Finnish Ministry of Defense and Air Force and TRS staff. Set up in a tactical, truck-mounted configuration with independent power supply year, this first radar system will bring the benefits of Finland all the latest advances in radar technology, Providing superior detection performance at high and low altitudes, high availability and simplified maintenance.

"Our operators are satisfied with the progress of this program markable Which HAS Reached this milestone and we are looking forward to see all thesis modern benefits system in operation," Brigadier-General Noted Kari Salmi, Chief of Staff of the Finnish Air Force.

"The level of cooperation entre le Finnish Ministry of Defense and ThalesRaytheonSystems teams in accomplishing the deployment of this GM 400 radar was excellent. We look forward to working with our Pursuing Finland on the next 11 GM

Finland Orders Weapon Stations for RG32M Armoured Vehicles

Finland’s Ministry of Defence has placed an order for manned weapon stations to equip its fleet of RG-32M mine hardened armoured patrol vehicles. Valued at more than US$1.7 million, the contract was placed with Australian weapon mount producer, W&E Platt.

It will involve supply of 39 Platt MR550 Bi-Metal Ring Mounts, which are to be shipped to Finland for installation on Finnish Army RG-32M vehicles.

The MR550 Bi-Metal Ring Mount provides firepower and protection for vehicle gunners and utilises a dual layer of armour to save weight yet still provide protection against improvised explosive device blast and small arms fire. The protection level is upgradeable to STANAG Level 3.

This is the second order of the MR550 Bi-Metal Ring Mount by Finland, coming off the supply of 10 mounts to a similar configuration in late 2011. Sweden also operates the RG32M fitted with the MR550 Bi-Metal Ring Mount, where it has been deployed on operations in Afghanistan.

Finland to Buy ATACMS T2K Unitary Missiles in Possible $132 Million Deal

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on Friday that it notified U.S. Congress July 5 of a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Government of Finland for 70 M57 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) T2K Unitary Missiles and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $132 million. This transmittal supersedes Transmittal No. 12-25 and replaces the M39 with the ATACMS M57 Block IA T2K Unitary Missile which accurately reflects the Finnish request and is consistent with U.S. export policy.

The Government of Finland has requested a possible sale of 70 M57 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) T2K Unitary Missiles, Missile Common Test Device software, ATACMS Quality Assurance Team support, spare and repair parts, tools and test equipment, support equipment, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical data, U.S. government and contractor engineering and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $132 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country which has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.

Finland Goes Long To Annoy Russia

Finland has ordered 70 MGM140 ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems) artillery rockets from the United States. Finland already has 22 M270 MLRS rocket launchers, which the ATACMS is launched from. Finland is getting the ATACMS equipped with a 227 kg (500 pound) high explosive warhead. The U.S. used over 700 ATACMS in Iraq and Afghanistan and was satisfied with their performance. These rockets use GPS guidance to hit targets up to 300 kilometers away. Sort of like the popular 500 pound JDAM smart bomb used by the air force, but not requiring an aircraft to deliver it.
When the U.S. Army first introduced its long range ATACMS rocket 25 years ago, it designed fancy warheads that distributed lots of smaller bomblets. While these worked, there was always a problem with some of the bomblets not self-destructing, and later going off when civilians, or American troops, came along. Not a popular weapon. Then, when a version, with GPS guidance and a single, 500 pound high explosive (or "unitary") warhead was introduced, it proved very popular. These rockets cost about $1.2 million dollars each. A 500 pound JDAM costs about $35,000, although you can add a few thousand dollars more to cover the expense of operating the jet bomber that delivered it.
The ATACMS is a 610mm rocket that fits in the same size container that normally holds six 227mm MLRS rockets (with a max range of 70 kilometers). ATACMS has sufficient range to reach many military targets inside Russia. This has annoyed Russia, as has Finnish plans to join NATO. Finland has been annoying Russia for centuries, something the Finns never seem to get tired of.