Israeli companies Aeronautics Defense Systems and BlueBird are the two final contenders in the Finnish armed forces' unmanned air system contest, with two other bidders having been removed from the running.
Respectively offering their Orbiter 2 and SpyLite systems, the remaining bidders are vying for a surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance programme requirement worth an estimated $25 million. A final selection is expected during November, with the winning company expected to deliver 30-45 unmanned systems under the deal.
Finland's latest move has eliminated two other bidders from the contest. Elbit Systems had been teamed with Patria to offer the former's Skylark LE design, while Polish manufacturer WB had promoted its FlyEye UAS.
Source: Flight International
