Aug. 19, 2009 (United Press International) -- The Israeli defense company Elbit Systems (NASDAQ:ESLT) signed a communications equipment deal with Finland's Defense Ministry worth $23.9 million , the company said Tuesday.

Elbit will supply the Finnish Army with high speed radio and data transmission communication systems by 2012, a statement issued by the company said.

Bezhalel Machlis, the general manager of Elbit Systems said he hoped the contract will bring in additional orders from Finland as well as NATO countries.

Elbit Systems is an international defense and electronics company engaged in a wide range of defense related projects throughout the world, and focuses on the upgrading existing military platforms and developing new technologies for defense, homeland security and commercial aviation applications.