Finland has selected US based Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) and three other companies – Field Aerospace, L3Harris Technologies, and Swedish company ST Airborne Systems – for the next phase of its MVX border surveillance jet program.
The Finnish Border Guard’s MVX multi-role jet program worth $180 Million and is aimed at replacing two Dornier 228 surveillance aircraft during 2026 and 2027 with new multi-purpose jets. .
All the mentioned firms have now successfully moved to the new Intermediate RFQ phase, which will involve a first round of contract terms negotiations with each bidder.
The negotiations are expected to start this summer itself. However, the Finnish Border Guard could request additional negotiations in the fall if needed.
Basically, this phase includes practical evaluation of the proposed aircraft and its sensors, which have already been demonstrated.
The procurement contract is expected to be signed by the end of this year.
Notably, Field Aerospace and Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) are pitching the Bombardier Challenger 650 with different modifications, while L3Harris Technologies is offering the Falcon 2000LXS. On the other hand, Sweden’s ST Airborne Systems has offered the Cessna Citation Longitude.
The Finnish Border Guard’s current surveillance planes focus on monitoring borders on land and at sea, supporting rescue efforts in maritime emergencies, identifying environmental emergencies at sea and supporting their clean-up efforts. The new MVX program planes will also address the growing need for monitoring the eastern border to ensure Finland’s territorial integrity.
Brief Specifications
The Finnish Border Guard requires an aircraft that offers a range of more advanced capabilities to the retiring Dornier 228 fleet including a significant improvement in operating time and coverage of wider areas, better sensors, increased transport capacity.
Besides, the requirement also envisages the use of the latest technology and more sophisticated technical systems, including real-time, encrypted data transfers.
Further, once operational, the new multi-role jet is projected to significantly improve Finland’s border security and the monitoring of territorial integrity.
In short, the MVX fleet will be expected to carry out surveillance of Finland’s land and sea borders, conduct search and rescue missions, Baltic Sea patrols and detect marine environmental damage.
Image Courtesy: https://www.sncorp.com/news-archive/snc-s-rapcon-x-jet-advances-to-next-phase-of-finnish-border-guard-s-mvx-program/
