Finland has taken a major step in equipping its future F-35A fighter fleet, approving the acquisition of AIM-120D-3 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) from the United States. The decision comes as Helsinki accelerates the transition from the F/A-18 Hornet to the F-35, while deepening operational alignment with allied air forces amid heightened security tensions in Northern Europe driven by Russia’s war in Ukraine.
According to the Finnish Ministry of Defence, Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen authorised the procurement through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) framework following U.S. congressional approval in September 2025. Raytheon has been identified as the missile manufacturer. The approved package extends beyond the missiles themselves, covering technical documentation, spare parts, logistics support, transport, training, and repair services, positioning the deal as a comprehensive sustainment solution rather than a standalone munition purchase.
The AIM-120D-3 is described as the latest evolution of the AMRAAM family, featuring a form-fit-function hardware refresh and modernised internal electronics designed to counter emerging threats and advanced electronic warfare. U.S. test data and industry statements indicate the D-3 variant provides a foundation for incremental software upgrades, reflecting a broader shift toward rapid capability refresh cycles in Western air combat systems.
Operationally, Finland plans to dedicate the AIM-120D-3 inventory exclusively to the F-35 fleet, while existing AMRAAM stocks will continue to support the F/A-18 Hornet and the Army’s NASAMS-based ITO12 air-defence system. This approach ensures continuity across current platforms while configuring the F-35 force from the outset for modern beyond-visual-range air combat requirements.
