David's "Snevosh" goes north: Finland modernizes its David's Sling (Video) System

"This acquisition will create new opportunities for the Finnish defense forces to intercept goals at high altitude. At the same time, we continue the ambitious and long -term development of Finland's defense in new security conditions," said Defense Minister Antta Kaikkonen.

Commenting on the event, Western experts say that Kaykconane's statement about new security circumstances is likely to be a reference to a full-scale invasion of Russia's ongoing Ukraine and a new role of its country as a 31st NATO Alliance member. The David's Sling system is the joint development of the Israeli manufacturer Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and the American military-industrial company Raytheon, which is part of the complex integrated air defense system of Israel.

By its capabilities, David's Land Duplicates early Patriot missile systems and is designed to intercept high -altitude goals - aircraft, drones, winged missiles and large artillery shells. The system is equipped with rockets-interceptors "surface-air surface" Stunner with a characteristic nasal part in the form of a dolphin head.

The rocket is unique because of its guidance system-has a radar and opto-electronic guidance system, and the range of effective use is from 70 to 250 km, although some sources write that the rocket flight range can reach more than 300 km. The sloping nasal part of the Stunner contains infrared and active radar sensors. This two -mode system of seekers makes it more difficult to muffle or deceive and more reliable in intercepting a number of goals, from small ballistic missiles to winged missiles.

The communication channel also transmits data on the target from the external sensors, first of all from the installation of ELTA ELM-2084 3D AESA, and then the Stunner operates in the third guidance mode. The rocket is equipped with an advanced three -pulse engine that creates different levels of traction on different phases of flight. In particular, it provides additional acceleration and maneuverability during the final phase of the rocket attack.

Another feature of Stunner is that the rocket is not equipped with a warhead, but works on the "Hit-to-Kill" system and rests on the kinetic energy of the interceptor that crashes into the target. This makes the rocket smaller, more lighter, more farm and more maneuver than interceptors containing explosives.