The Finnish Border Guard announced on Thursday that Finland will pay 163 million euros ($174 million) to the US company Sierra Nevada Corp. for two surveillance planes so that it can monitor its extensive eastern border with Russia.
Following the arrival of approximately 1,300 migrants from countries including Somalia and Syria along its 1,340 km (833 mile) border with Russia in late 2017, Finland closed all crossing points for travelers along the border permanently.
Helsinki has increased border security because it thinks the Kremlin is prepared to send more migrants across at any time; Moscow has categorically denied this.
“The new surveillance aircraft will significantly increase Finland’s capability in border security and maritime security tasks, which is important in our difficult-to-predict security environment,” Chief of Border and Coast Guard Division Matti Sarasmaa said in a statement.
In 2026 and 2027, the aging twin-turboprop planes will be replaced by the new aircraft, which will be produced by Canada’s Bombardier (BBDb.TO), opens new tab, and customized for the Border Guard’s needs by Sierra Nevada.
It further stated that the new aircraft will have contemporary surveillance sensors and cutting-edge technical systems. (Reuters)
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