Finnish Defence Forces to procure tactical lights and visual identification beacons

NordenBladet — Minister of Defence Antti Kaikkonen has authorised the Defence Forces Logistics Command to conclude an agreement to procure tactical weapons-mounted lights, helmet lights and visual identification beacons from two Finnish importers.

The procurement follows extensive field tests carried out in Finland to assess the suitability and compatibility of 25 different products included in commercial competitive tendering.The weapons-mounted lights and helmet lights will be supplied by Hantaurus SHOT Oy and the visual identification beacons by Finnprotec Oy.The procurement, which is included in the national defence development programme, is part of a series of procurements aiming to develop the infantry’s night combat capabilities. The procurement will improve the ability of the infantry forces to operate in dark conditions with poor visibility.

The first products will be delivered by the end of 2021 and will be taken into use starting in 2022.The total value of the procurement, including VAT, is more than EUR 1 million. The Defence Forces have an additional provision for tactical lights, the total value of which is approximately EUR 6 million including VAT.More information about the procurement:A weapon-mounted light is a light that is affixed to a weapon for the purpose of identifying a target and facilitating firing and movement.

A helmet light is a light affixed to a helmet or mounting device that a combatant uses as a work light in operations requiring additional lighting, for example when reading maps or providing first aid and, if necessary, as a signalling tool.A visual identification beacon enables the visual identification of a combatant, one’s own troops or a dangerous area under variable lighting conditions and improves safety, especially in night combat training.For more information, please contact Jouko Tuloisela, Senior Government Adviser, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 412; and Inspector of Infantry Colonel Rainer Peltoniemi, Army Command Finland, tel. +358 299 800 (Defence Forces’ switchboard).

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi