Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen: Finland will procure state-of-the-art air-to-air missiles for F-35 fighters

Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen: Finland will procure state-of-the-art air-to-air missiles for F-35 fighters

Finland's Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen has authorised the Finnish Defence Forces to procure AIM-120D-3 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) from the United States.

The missiles will be compatible with F-35A multi-role combat aircraft. They will supplement the weaponry of the future F-35 fleet, the D-3 being the latest and most advanced variant of AMRAAM. In September 2025, the United States Congress approved a Foreign Military Sale to Finland of AMRAAM manufactured by Raytheon. The first missile deliveries will support the deployment of the F-35 fleet.

"This procurement will give Finland the latest and most advanced variant of AMRAAM, which will improve our ability to respond to threats in our operating environment. It will further strengthen our interoperability with the United States and our other allies," Minister of Defence Häkkänen said.

The procurement includes the missiles, manuals and documentation, spare parts and supplies, transport and the training, repair and support services provided by the manufacturer and supplier in accordance with the Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA). The LOA also includes services provided by the US administration.

Currently, AMRAAM used by the F/A-18 Hornet fleet constitute a central element of the Finnish Air Force's medium-range air-to-air weaponry. The Finnish Army also uses them in its Surface-to-Air Missile 12 (ITO12) Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS). The D-3 variant to be purchased will only be used by the F-35 fleet.

Inquiries: Krista Siik, Branch Engineer, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 015.