Finland approved an €84.5M (about $94M) RGW110 anti-tank buy from Dynamit Nobel Defence, the German unit of Israel's Rafael, with deliveries due from 2027.
Finland has approved the purchase of RGW110 heavy disposable anti-tank weapons from Dynamit Nobel Defence, a German manufacturer that Globes reported on November 8 is a subsidiary of Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. The deal is worth about €84.5 million, roughly $94 million, before VAT. Deliveries and training begin in 2027, replacing the APILAS launchers Finnish soldiers have carried since the 1980s.
בקצרה: פינלנד אישרה רכישה של כלי נשק נגד טנקים מסוג RGW110 מחברת דינמיט נובל דיפנס (Dynamit Nobel Defence), חברה גרמנית שהיא חברת בת של רפאל, לפי גלובס. העסקה מוערכת בכ-84.5 מיליון אירו לפני מע"מ, והאספקה תתחיל ב-2027.
What exactly is Finland buying?
Finland is buying the RGW110, a 110 mm heavy disposable anti-tank weapon that a soldier fires once and discards. Finnish Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen authorized the Defence Forces to proceed, according to Defence Blog. The weapon replaces the French-designed APILAS, which Finland acquired in the 1980s.
The Finnish Army said a modern anti-tank weapon must first defeat the explosive reactive armor on a tank's hull and then carry enough caliber to penetrate the main armor behind it. Defense Mirror reports the system supports concentrated fire on one target from several positions. Globes describes the RGW110 as an enlarged version of the RGW90, which the IDF calls the Matador (מטאדור).
Is Dynamit Nobel Defence an Israeli company?
Dynamit Nobel Defence is a German manufacturer that is a subsidiary of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the Israeli state-owned defense company, according to Globes. The Finnish announcements on October 28 and 29, as reported by Defence Blog and Defense Mirror, described the supplier as a German manufacturer. Globes reported the Rafael link on November 8, about ten days later.
Olam's profile of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems covers the parent company, and Olam's comparison of Israeli defense companies' global expansion notes that Rafael reports more than 30 subsidiaries.
How does this fit Finland's other purchases from Rafael?
The RGW110 is the third large Finnish purchase tied to Rafael in four years, and the smallest of the three by value. Adding the reported figures gives about €625 million across the three, by Olam's arithmetic. The numbers come from different reports and are not adjusted for VAT.
| Purchase | Supplier | Reported value | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spike SR, LR2 and ER2 missiles | EuroSpike, a joint venture of Rheinmetall, Diehl Defence and Rafael | €223.6M without VAT | Approved December 2022, contract January 2023 |
| David's Sling air defense | Rafael | €317M (Globes) | November 2023 |
| RGW110 anti-tank weapons | Dynamit Nobel Defence, a Rafael subsidiary | €84.5M without VAT | Announced October 28, 2026 |
Globes notes the defense relationship is deep and that Helsinki media reported a defense memorandum of understanding between Finland and Israel running until 2034. Olam's earlier report, Israel-Finland defense: David's Sling, Spike and the 2034 pact, covers that pact.
Why does a Rafael subsidiary in Germany matter for exports?
Rafael can win European contracts through local subsidiaries and joint ventures, so a bid can carry a German name and Israeli ownership. Olam's report on Spain's Israel arms embargo found a similar structure: Spain banned arms trade with Israel in 2025, then planned to buy Rafael-linked EuroSpike missiles. That is a pattern across two countries, not a claim about Finland's intent.
What is still unconfirmed?
The reports Olam reviewed show ministerial authorization for the RGW110 purchase but do not say whether a final contract has been signed. The dollar value also varies by outlet: Defence Blog converts the price to about $94 million, while other outlets use about $98 million. The Finnish announcements, as reported, name Dynamit Nobel Defence and do not mention Rafael.
Frequently asked questions
What is the RGW110?
The RGW110 is a 110 mm heavy disposable anti-tank weapon made by Dynamit Nobel Defence. Globes describes it as an enlarged version of the RGW90, known in the IDF as the Matador.
How much is Finland paying for the RGW110?
Finland is paying about €84.5 million before VAT for the RGW110, roughly $94 million at Defence Blog's conversion rate.
Is Dynamit Nobel Defence owned by Rafael?
Globes reported on November 8, 2026 that Dynamit Nobel Defence is a German subsidiary of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.
When will Finland receive the weapons?
Deliveries, training equipment and instruction begin in 2027, according to Finland's government as reported by Defence Blog.
What does the RGW110 replace?
The RGW110 replaces the APILAS launcher that Finnish troops have carried since the 1980s.
Has Finland signed the final contract?
The reports Olam reviewed describe the Finnish Defence Minister's authorization, but they do not confirm a signed final contract.
How we report: Olam stories draw on public filings, company disclosures and named sources, checked by our editors. Read our methodology · Corrections
