Yesterday, Israeli firm Elbit Systems announced that they were awarded a contract by the Finnish Army, to supply advanced dismounted soldier systems, in the first phase of a comprehensive ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance) program.
The equipment includes eenhanced observation soldier equipment (MARS), comprehensive situation awareness software, cutting edge combat soldier wearable radio (PNR1000) and computer systems intended to enhance the operational capabilities of the Finnish Army in the areas of reconnaissance, terrain dominance and dismounted soldiers.
Tags: Elbit
hmmm, back around 1987, I had an Elbit Flacon on my FN FNC…..wow, this story brought back some ole memories……
Great – now all they need to do is buy enough RK95’s to equip their whole army…
Not enough assault rifles for the FDF? On the contrary: the Finnish Defence Forces is to sell or to scrap 100 000 spare assault rifles after the planned re-organization that will result in reducting the wartime troop strenght from 350 000 to max. 250 000 soldiers.
Source: http://www.hs.fi/english/article/Defence+Forces+to+sell+or+scrap+100000+surplus+assault+rifles/1135270188043
I didn’t say that they don’t have enough assault rifles in general – just not enough of the RK95.
Ok, but if that’s the case what has RK95 to do with Elbit Dismounted Soldier System / this news piece? And what is the enough number of RK95s for the FDF in your opinion?
Nothing wrong with the Elbit Falcon. The IDF started using them in the late 90’s ,which I’ve seen to be a mark of an item being affordable and great value for the price. The Mepro21 they replaced it with it pretty snazzy as well 😉
Interesting… I was a part of the test group that tested the radios, and as far as i know, the tests are not over… Phases 1 and 2 are, but they should commence late summer.
Of all the radios we tested, Elbit´s was by far the most expensive one (and it´s range was the same as with every other radio).. With all the recent budget cuts, it makes me wonder who we chose the Elbit (if indeed it´s decided)