The Rajavartiolaitos (Finnish Border Guard) has selected the Bombardier Challenger 650 as replacement for the two ageing Dornier Do228 surveillance aircraft in the MVX programme.
Scramble Magazine first reported on this programme on 24 April 2023. In the evaluation of the tender for the MVX Programme, Sierra Nevada Corporation's (SNC) solution met the capability requirements set by the Finnish Border Guard.
The selection was based on the supplier's experience and demonstrated ability to implement complex aircraft modifications, as well as the ability to deliver the aircraft within the set deadline.
SNC will modify the Bombardier Challenger 650 to suit the operational needs of the Finnish Border Guard. The agreement with SNC was signed in Helsinki on 27 June 2024.
The new surveillance aircraft are planned to enter service in 2026 and 2027. The CL650s will be painted blue and white, and will have the registrations OH-MVX and OH-MVY.
The total cost of the acquisition is some 163 million euros. The Finnish Parliament allocated funding for the acquisition in the 2023 budget. The financing covers two aircraft with their systems, as well as the training of the necessary personnel, technical support for commissioning and spare parts. https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/finnish-border-guard-selects-challenger-650