Finland approved the purchase of AIM-120D-3 AMRAAM missiles from the United States to equip its incoming F-35A fighter fleet.
The procurement was authorized following U.S. congressional approval of the Foreign Military Sale in September 2025 and includes missiles, spares, training, and support.
Finland has authorized the procurement of AIM-120D-3 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) from the United States, a move aimed at equipping the country’s incoming F-35A fighters and aligning Finland’s air combat capabilities with those of its closest allies.
According to a press release from Finland’s Ministry of Defence dated December 12, 2025, Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen approved the acquisition for the Finnish Defence Forces following U.S. congressional authorization of the Foreign Military Sale in September. The missiles are manufactured by Raytheon and represent the latest and most advanced variant of the AMRAAM family.
As noted by the ministry, the AIM-120D-3 missiles will be compatible with Finland’s F-35A multi-role combat aircraft and are intended to supplement the weaponry of the future F-35 fleet. The first deliveries are expected to support the initial deployment of the aircraft as Finland transitions away from its current F/A-18 Hornet force.
“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,” Häkkänen said.
The procurement package extends beyond the missiles themselves. According to the ministry, it includes manuals and documentation, spare parts and supplies, transport, and training, repair, and support services provided by the manufacturer and supplier under the Letter of Offer and Acceptance. The agreement also covers services provided by the U.S. administration.
Raytheon, which produces the AMRAAM, highlighted the decision in a public post, noting that the procurement is intended to strengthen interoperability between the United States and its allies. The company said the missiles, spares, training, and support services will directly support Finland’s F-35 deployment.
AMRAAM uses a combination of inertial navigation, midcourse updates, and an onboard active radar seeker to guide the missile to its target. The system is designed to allow pilots to engage threats beyond visual range while retaining flexibility during dynamic air combat scenarios.
The AIM-120D-3 is the most recent evolution of the AMRAAM line, which has been in service with U.S. and allied air forces for decades. While specific performance details of the D-3 variant are not publicly disclosed, it is understood to offer improved range, guidance, and resistance to countermeasures compared to earlier versions.
Finland already operates AMRAAMs in multiple roles. The Finnish Air Force currently uses AMRAAM missiles on its F/A-18 Hornet fleet as a central element of its medium-range air-to-air capability. In addition, the Finnish Army employs AMRAAM missiles as part of the Surface-to-Air Missile 12, or ITO12, Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS).
According to the Ministry of Defence, the AIM-120D-3 variant approved for procurement will be reserved exclusively for the F-35 fleet. This separation reflects the different operational requirements and integration standards of Finland’s future air combat platform.
Finland’s decision comes as the country continues to modernize its armed forces following its accession to NATO. Interoperability with U.S. and allied systems has become a core requirement, particularly in air and missile defense, where shared munitions and logistics can simplify planning and sustainment during joint operations.
The F-35A is expected to form the backbone of Finland’s air power for decades, and missile selection is a key element of how the aircraft will be employed. By selecting the latest AMRAAM variant, Finnish planners are ensuring that the aircraft’s primary beyond-visual-range weapon aligns with those used by other F-35 operators.
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