Finland to buy US GBU-53 glide bombs for F-35 fleet

Finland will acquire US-made GBU-53 glide bombs to equip its forthcoming F-35 fighter jets, as part of a broader deepening of defence cooperation with the United States.

The Finnish Ministry of Defence confirmed that Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen has authorised the armed forces to procure the munitions, which are produced by Raytheon, under an existing US-linked procurement framework tied to the country’s F-35 programme, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The purchase is intended to expand the operational capability of Finland’s air force, which is in the process of integrating the fifth-generation F-35 aircraft into its fleet.

According to the ministry, the acquisition forms part of a wider package associated with the programme, rather than a standalone weapons deal.

In addition to the guided bombs themselves, the agreement covers spare parts, technical documentation, training for personnel, and long-term maintenance and repair support.

By Aghakazim Guliyev