Finland has confirmed a significant step in equipping its incoming F-35A fleet, approving the acquisition of AIM-120D-3 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles from the United States. The move comes as Helsinki accelerates its transition away from the F/A-18 Hornet and deepens operational integration with allied air forces. Against a security backdrop defined by Russia’s war in Ukraine and intensified military activity across Northern Europe, missile selection is as critical as aircraft choice. According to the Finnish Ministry of Defence, the AIM-120D-3 missiles are scheduled to arrive in time to support the initial operational phase of Finland’s F-35 deployment.
The Ministry stated that Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen has authorised the Finnish Defence Forces to procure the AIM-120D-3 AMRAAM via the U.S. Foreign Military Sales framework, following U.S. congressional approval in September 2025, with Raytheon named as the manufacturer. The Letter of Offer and Acceptance extends beyond the missiles themselves, covering documentation, spare parts, transport, training, repair, and support services from both the manufacturer and U.S. authorities. This structure positions the purchase as a comprehensive sustainment package, reducing risk as Finland inducts a new frontline fighter.
While officially described as the latest AMRAAM variant, the D-3 represents a targeted refresh intended to keep the missile’s seeker and guidance systems effective against modern countermeasures and emerging threats. U.S. test disclosures describe the AIM-120D-3 as a form-fit-function hardware update designed to replace obsolete components, while establishing a baseline for future software enhancements. Raytheon has noted that the missile features modernised internal electronics and a software architecture built for incremental upgrades, reflecting a broader shift toward rapid capability refresh cycles in Western air combat.
Operationally, Finland plans to allocate the AIM-120D-3 exclusively to its F-35 fleet, while existing AMRAAM stocks will continue to equip the Finnish Air Force’s F/A-18 Hornets. The missile family also underpins ground-based air defence, with the Finnish Army employing AMRAAM in its NASAMS-based ITO12 system. By separating D-3 stocks for the F-35, Helsinki is signalling an intent to configure the new fighter force around contemporary beyond-visual-range requirements, while preserving continuity for legacy aircraft and land-based air defence.
