Finland Approves Purchase of AIM‑120D‑3 Air‑to‑Air Missiles from United States for New F‑35A Fleet
Finland has authorized the procurement of AIM‑120D‑3 Advanced Medium‑Range Air‑to‑Air Missiles (AMRAAM) from the United States to equip its incoming fleet of F‑35A Lightning II fighters. The decision was confirmed on December 12, 2025, by the Finnish Ministry of Defense, with Minister Antti Häkkänen signing off on the acquisition through the Defense Forces Logistics Command.
This move follows a US government approval of the potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) that was issued in September 2025. Under that arrangement, Finland sought up to 405 of the latest‑variant AIM‑120D‑3 missiles, along with associated support equipment and services, in a deal worth an estimated 1.07 billion US dollars.
The purchase is designed to ensure that Finland’s F‑35A fighters enter service with a modern beyond‑visual‑range air‑to‑air capability. The AIM‑120D‑3 is the newest export version of the AMRAAM family and will supplement the armament of the nation’s transitional air combat force as it phases out F/A‑18 Hornet aircraft.
Background
Finland’s decision to acquire the F‑35A Lightning II stems from the country’s long‑term HX Fighter Program, aimed at modernizing its air force and strengthening its deterrence posture amid evolving regional security challenges. The F‑35A is set to replace the Finnish Air Force’s aging F/A‑18C/D Hornets, with the first deliveries expected to support initial training in the United States in 2026 before arrival in Finland.
The AIM‑120 family of missiles has been a central part of Finland’s air defense armament for years. The Finnish Air Force has operated earlier AMRAAM variants on its Hornets and integrated them into NASAMS surface‑to‑air air defense systems. The procurement of the D‑3 variant is specifically linked to F‑35A operations and represents a step toward aligning Finland’s air combat capabilities with those of other allied nations fielding the fifth‑generation fighter.
What the AIM‑120D‑3 Brings
The AIM‑120D‑3 Advanced Medium‑Range Air‑to‑Air Missile is the current export‑available iteration of the AMRAAM series. It incorporates updated internal electronics and guidance systems. These enhancements are aimed at improving performance against modern threats and offering greater resistance to countermeasures. Compared with older AMRAAM versions, the D‑3 variant supports improved navigation and engagement ranges, helping pilots detect and intercept targets at extended distances.
The procurement package approved by Finnish authorities covers not only the missiles themselves but also eight guidance sections, spare parts, documentation, shipping support, and services such as training and technical assistance. The prime contractor for the missiles is Raytheon Missiles & Defense, a major US defense firm.
Official Statements
In a ministry announcement, Minister of Defense Antti Häkkänen said the decision would provide Finland with “the latest and most advanced version of the missile,” boosting the nation’s capacity to respond to threats in the operational environment. The acquisition also reflects ongoing cooperation with the United States and allied defense partners, the ministry added.
The US State Department’s approval of the possible sale cited broader foreign policy and national security goals. It noted that the transfer would strengthen the defense of a NATO ally, enhance Finland’s ability to counter current and future threats, and improve interoperability with US and allied forces.
Strategic Context
Finland shares a long border with Russia and has dramatically shifted its security policy in recent years, culminating in joining NATO in 2023 amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. The addition of F‑35A fighters and advanced air‑to‑air missiles like the AIM‑120D‑3 supports Finnish contributions to collective air defense and reinforces deterrence on NATO’s northeastern flank.
The NATO alliance has increasingly emphasized interoperability among member air forces. The F‑35A platform, with its advanced sensor fusion and networked capabilities, is designed to operate seamlessly with AMRAAM missiles, enabling data sharing and coordinated engagement across allied units. This integrated approach improves response times and decision making during contested air operations.
What’s Next
Initial deliveries of the AIM‑120D‑3 missiles are expected to coincide with the rollout and eventual operational deployment of the F‑35A fleet. As part of the HX program schedule, Finnish pilots will begin training on the F‑35A in the United States in 2026, while missile training and integration tests will help build combat readiness. Full operational capability for the F‑35 fleet, including air‑to‑air missile integration, is likely to evolve over the next several years as deliveries continue.
The procurement of AIM‑120D‑3 missiles marks a critical step in Finland’s air power transformation and reflects its broader defense strategy in an uncertain security environment. Continued focus on modern weapons and systems will shape Finnish air defense well into the next decade.
