Finland Buys 2 Border Supervisory Planes For Almost IDR 3 Trillion

Finland will buy two reconnaissance aircraft from the US-based Sierra Nevada Corp worth 163 million euros (USD 174 million or approximately IDR 2.8 trillion) to patrol the eastern border with Russia.

Late last year, Finland closed all crossing points for travelers along its 1,340 km (833 miles) border with Russia indefinitely after about 1,300 migrants from countries such as Syria and Somalia arrived via the route.

Helsinki has stepped up border security because it believes the Kremlin is ready to distribute more migrants at any time something Moscow denies.

"This new reconnaissance aircraft will significantly increase Finland's capabilities in border security and maritime security tasks, which are important in our difficult-to-predict security environment," said Head of the Border Guard and Coast Division Matti Sarasmaa.

A new aircraft manufactured by a Canadian company, Bombardier will be placed for Border Guard purposes by Sierra Nevada. This aircraft replaces the old double turboprop aircraft by 2026 and 2027, he said.

The new aircraft will be equipped with advanced technical systems and modern surveillance sensors.