U.S. aerospace and defense firm Sierra Nevada Corp. has received the first Challenger 650 aircraft for Finland’s MVX program at its Maryland integration facility. The jet will be installed with RAPCON-X sensors and systems to strengthen the Finnish Border Guard’s border and maritime surveillance operations.
The aircraft, scheduled for delivery beginning in 2027, will enhance Finland’s ability to monitor territorial waters, respond to maritime emergencies and support environmental protection efforts in the Baltic Sea.
SNC describes RAPCON-X as a modular intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platform designed for multi-domain missions and rapid upgrades. The Finnish government awarded the integration contract in 2024.
“This program milestone comes at a pivotal time in Europe’s increasingly unpredictable security environment, and SNC is committed to helping our customers enhance their border and maritime security,” said Tim Owings, executive vice president for mission solutions and technologies at SNC.
According to the company, the first Challenger has already been fitted with its final livery and completed factory test flights.
The milestone follows SNC’s recent purchase of A-29 Super Tucano aircraft from Embraer for a foreign partner awaiting approval of a U.S. foreign military sale request.