The Finnish Ministry of Defence has confirmed the acquisition of new AIM-120D-3 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile) air-to-air missiles from the United States, intended to equip the Finnish Air Force’s future fleet of F-35A stealth fighters.
The authorization was granted by Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen, who enabled the Finnish Defence Forces to finalize the purchase under the Foreign Military Sales program. The missiles will be compatible with the F-35A multi-mission combat aircraft and will complement the armament of the new fleet, with the D-3 variant being the most recent and advanced in the AMRAAM family.
In September 2025, the U.S. Congress formally approved the sale of these missiles, manufactured by Raytheon, for an estimated value of US$ 1.07 billion. According to reports, the first missile deliveries will be destined to support the initial deployment of the Finnish F-35As.
“The acquisition process will provide Finland with the newest and most advanced variant of the AMRAAM, which will improve our ability to respond to threats in our operational environment. It will also reinforce our interoperability with the U.S. and our other allies,” stated Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen.
The contract includes not only the missiles but also manuals and technical documentation, spare parts, supplies, transportation, and training, repair, and support services from the manufacturer and supplier, in accordance with the Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA). Furthermore, the agreement covers additional services provided by the U.S. administration.
Currently, AMRAAM missiles in service with the F/A-18 Hornet fleet constitute a central component of the Finnish Air Force’s medium-range air-to-air weaponry. Additionally, the Finnish Army employs them in the NASAMS (Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) air defense system, under the designation Surface-to-Air Missile 12 (ITO12). However, the acquired AIM-120D-3 variant will be used exclusively by the future F-35As.
The purchase of these missiles is part of a broad modernization process of Finland’s military capabilities, initiated at the end of 2021 with the decision to acquire 64 fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II fighters from the U.S. These aircraft, which will replace the F/A-18 Hornets in service for decades, are being produced at the Lockheed Martin plant in Fort Worth, Texas, with plans to develop local capabilities for sustainment, maintenance, and component manufacturing.
In December, a new advance in this program was confirmed with the completion of the first test flight of the first F-35A destined for Finland, marking a key milestone in the progressive incorporation of the new fleet and the preparation of its associated weapon systems.
*Images for illustrative purposes.
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