The U.S. State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Finland of AIM-120D-3 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and associated equipment worth an estimated $1.07 billion, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on 10 September.
The Finnish request covers up to 405 AIM-120D-3 missiles and eight AIM-120D-3 guidance sections with positioning supported by either the Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module or M-Code.
Non-Major Defense Equipment items in the package include AMRAAM control sections, containers, Common Munitions BIT/Reprogramming Equipment, ADU-891 adaptor group test sets, spares, consumables, weapons software, training, and logistics and technical support.
DSCA stated that “this proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.” The agency added that the weapons will enhance Finland’s ability to meet current and future threats while improving interoperability with U.S. and allied forces.
According to the announcement, Finland already operates AMRAAMs and will have no difficulty integrating the D-3 variant. The sale is not expected to alter the basic military balance in the region.
RTX Corporation, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, will be the prime contractor. DSCA noted that no offset agreements are currently identified, though any future offsets would be determined between Finland and the contractor.
The agency also confirmed that the sale will not require U.S. personnel to be assigned to Finland and that it will not affect U.S. defence readiness.
The $1.07 billion estimate reflects the maximum potential value of the deal. Final cost will depend on Finland’s budget authority, requirements, and the conclusion of a sales agreement.
Odd comment about the sale not affecting the military balance in the region.
Who cares if it did? Interesting to see the USA genuinely concerned about Russia’s perception, paranoia and it’s deliberate misinterpretation of foreign activities.
The bit about the sale not affecting the military balance, is a standard paragraph in every DSCA announcement.
Go visit the DSCA website and look at the list of announcements under ‘Major Arms Sales’, they all follow a basic format.
Cheers,