Finland to procure advanced AMRAAM missiles for F-35 fighters

Finland’s Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen has approved the purchase of AIM-120D-3 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) from the United States to equip the country’s new F-35A multi-role fighters.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the acquisition will supplement the weaponry of Finland’s future F-35 fleet.

The missiles, manufactured by Raytheon, represent the latest and most advanced variant of the AMRAAM series.

In September 2025, the U.S. Congress approved a Foreign Military Sale to Finland for the missiles, which will be delivered in stages to support the deployment of the F-35 aircraft.

“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 includes missiles, manuals, spare parts, transport, and training, as well as repair and support services provided by the manufacturer and the U.S. administration under the Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA).

Currently, AMRAAM missiles deployed on Finland’s F/A-18 Hornet fleet form a key part of the country’s medium-range air-to-air capabilities.

Finland also uses AMRAAMs in its Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS). The new D-3 variant will be exclusive to the F-35 fleet.

By Aghakazim Guliyev