The Finnish army will receive its first Orbiter 2 unmanned air system from Israeli company Aeronautics Defense Systems before the end of this year, after signing a €23.6 million ($29.9 million) production contract last week.

Up to 45 of the unmanned aircraft will be delivered under the deal, which will provide the army with a new capability to perform surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance duties.

 Orbiter 2 - Aeronautics

© Aeronautics

Selected following a lengthy competition, the Orbiter 2 has a 3m (9.8ft) wing span, 1m-long fuselage and a flight endurance of 3.5h.

Source: Flight International