Finland has taken a key step toward arming its future F-35A fighter force by authorising the purchase of AIM-120D-3 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles from the United States. The decision coincides with Finland’s accelerated drawdown of the F/A-18 Hornet fleet and closer alignment with allied air operations. In a regional security environment shaped by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and heightened military signalling in Northern Europe, missile capability is as strategically important as the aircraft itself. The Finnish Ministry of Defence confirmed that the AIM-120D-3 package will be delivered early enough to support the F-35’s initial operational deployment.
Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen has approved the acquisition through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales process, following U.S. congressional clearance in September 2025, with Raytheon designated as the supplier. The Letter of Offer and Acceptance includes not only the missiles, but also technical documentation, spares, logistics support, transport, training, repair services, and assistance from U.S. authorities. This comprehensive approach frames the deal as an integrated capability and sustainment solution rather than a standalone munition purchase.
Although Finland refers to the D-3 as the latest AMRAAM version, its operational significance lies in a modernisation effort aimed at maintaining relevance against advanced countermeasures and evolving threat environments. Public U.S. testing information characterises the AIM-120D-3 as a form-fit-function hardware refresh that replaces obsolete components and enables ongoing software-driven improvements. Raytheon has emphasised the missile’s updated internal electronics and future-ready software framework, aligning with a broader Western trend toward continuous upgrades rather than infrequent, large-scale block changes.
From an operational standpoint, Finland intends to dedicate the AIM-120D-3 to the F-35 fleet, while existing AMRAAM inventories will remain central to F/A-18 Hornet operations. The missile family also supports Finland’s layered air defence, with AMRAAM used by the Army’s NASAMS-based ITO12 surface-to-air missile system. By reserving the D-3 for the F-35, Helsinki is clearly signalling that its fifth-generation force will be optimised from the outset for modern beyond-visual-range combat, while ensuring continuity for Hornet operations and ground-based air defence missions.
