Aircraft
Finnish Border Guard Narrows Contest to Three Bizjet Platforms
Force is seeking a surveillance aircraft based on a business jet to replace aging Dornier Do-228 turboprops
Challenger 650 Finland
A company graphic depicts a Challenger 650 with Rapcon-X mission system in Finnish border guard colors. (Photo: Sierra Nevada Corporation)

Finland's Rajavartiolaitos (border guard force) has selected four bidders to proceed to the next phase of its MVX fleet modernization competition. MVX is seeking a replacement for the current pair of Dornier Do 228-212 twin-turboprop aircraft, which operates with the air patrol squadron at Turku alongside Airbus H215 helicopters.

The upgrade to Finland’s border surveillance capability has become increasingly important in light of growing tensions with Russia, especially following the Baltic nation formally joining the NATO alliance on April 4. The ”Raja” hopes to select an MVX winner before the end of the year, with service entry targeted for 2026/27. The lifetime of the two Dorniers has been extended from 2025 to cover the later MVX service entry date.

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