Under the MVX program, the Finnish Border Guard has contracted American company Sierra Nevada Corporation to supply specially equipped Bombardier Challenger 650 aircraft for border patrol missions. These new aircraft will replace the Dornier 228 aircraft, which have been in service since 1995 but no longer meet the security needs of Finland as a new NATO member.
According to the contract, two new patrol aircraft based on the Bombardier Challenger 650 business jet will be delivered in 2026 and 2027. The deal is valued at $170 million, or $85 million per aircraft, which includes a comprehensive package of accompanying services.
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Sierra Nevada Corporation, renowned for winning the competition for new Doomsday planes for the U.S., announced that the RAPCON-X aircraft will be equipped with modern radar featuring a phased array antenna, optical and thermal sensors, and other surveillance and reconnaissance tools. The maritime patrol capability of this aircraft is of particular importance to Finland.
While the specific details of all the RAPCON-X jet sensors are not disclosed, the capabilities of the Bombardier Challenger 650 are known. The aircraft can reach a flight altitude of over 13.7 km and has a flight duration of over 14 hours.
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