Hardened Against The Cold...

Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) has won a contract to supply Ranger unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to the Finnish Army. The deal is worth tens of millions of dollars
This is IAI's second contract in Finland. IAI will work with a Finnish consortium that was awarded the contract by the Finnish Ministry of Defense.

Sources inform the Israeli business journal Globes that the contract was awarded without an IAI offer, apparently as a follow-on procurement from the previous order. Two years ago, Finland bought Ranger UAVs for $20 million.

Under the current contract, IAI will supply Finland with more Ranger UAVs, avionics for automated flight and precise navigation, electro-optical devices, a ground control station specially adapted for Finland's harsh climate, and advanced communications systems. The system will provide real-time surveillance, reconnaissance, target-acquisition and artillery adjustment.

The UAVs for Finland will be adapted to operate in conditions of severe cold, built with composite materials to enhancee survivability. The UAVs will be equipped with parachutes, so they can land in the event of engine breakdown.

Thanks to ANN Correspondent Dave Bender in Jerusalem.

FMI: www.iai.co.il