Finland purchased 405 AIM-120D3 missiles to equip its F-35 fighter jets.
The US State Department has approved a $1.07 billion contract to supply Finland with AIM-120D3 missiles, supporting its fleet of 64 F-35A fighter jets in enhancing their defensive capabilities.
The Finnish government has just taken a strategic step to modernize its air force capabilities by ordering a series of advanced air-to-air missiles from the United States. This agreement comes as the Nordic nation actively prepares for regional security challenges and integrates more deeply into NATO's military structure.
The arms deal is worth more than $1 billion.
The U.S. State Department has officially approved Finland's request to purchase 405 advanced AIM-120D3 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles. The total value of this contract is estimated at approximately $1.07 billion. This is part of a plan to equip Helsinki's fleet of 64 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter jets that it had previously ordered.
Helsinki is currently strengthening its defense capabilities to cope with geopolitical shifts in Europe. According to the National Interest, possessing state-of-the-art weapons systems is a top priority for the country to protect its borders and maintain a high level of combat readiness.
The power of the AIM-120D3 missile variant.
The AIM-120D3 is the most modern and advanced version in the AMRAAM missile family, designed to destroy airborne targets at long range. It is one of the two main air combat weapons of the US Air Force, alongside the short-range AIM-9X Sidewinder. Compared to older versions used by the Finnish Air Force, the AIM--120D3 boasts significantly upgraded hardware and software, optimizing its guidance and target engagement capabilities in complex electronic warfare environments.
Finnish Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen stated: "This agreement will give Finland access to the most advanced missile version, enhancing its ability to respond to threats. At the same time, it strengthens interoperability with the United States and our allies."
The roadmap for replacing the old squadron.
The equipping of the new missiles is part of a plan to replace the aging fleet of 62 F/A-18C/D Hornet aircraft with 64 more modern F-35A Lightning IIs. According to manufacturer Lockheed Martin, the first F-35A for Finland was officially unveiled on December 16th and is expected to be delivered to the Finnish Air Force in early 2026.
The U.S. Defense Cooperation Agency assesses that this arms sale will advance U.S. foreign policy and national security goals by enhancing the security of a NATO ally, which is a key driver of political stability in Europe. Since officially joining NATO in 2022, Finland has consistently stepped up its military procurement programs to bolster its long-range defense capabilities.