Finland to Purchase Latest AIM-120D-3 Missiles for F-35A from the USA

Finland will arm its fifth-generation F-35A fighter jets with the latest U.S.-made AIM-120D-3 medium-range air-to-air missiles.

The Ministry of Defense of Finland announced the decision, noting that the AIM-120D-3 is the most advanced version of this air-to-air missile.

Finnish Minister of Defense Antti Häkkänen authorized the Armed Forces to procure the relevant weapons.

In September 2025, the United States Congress approved the sale of AMRAAM missiles to the country. The principal contractor will be RTX Corporation (Raytheon).

In addition to the AIM-120D-3 missiles themselves, the order will include associated equipment, manuals and documentation, spare parts, and materials. Training, repair, and support services will also be provided by the manufacturer and supplier, respectively.

The release emphasizes that the D-3 variant missiles will be used exclusively by the multirole F-35A combat aircraft, which have also been ordered from the United States.

“This procurement will provide Finland with the newest and most advanced version of the AMRAAM, enhancing our ability to respond to threats in our operational environment…,” Defense Minister Häkkänen stated.

The AIM-120D-3 variant is capable of engaging aerial targets at distances of more than 150 km from the aircraft’s launch point. Finland will become one of the first recipients of this weapon for export.

Currently, AIM-120 missiles used by the F/A-18 Hornet fleet are the core element of the Finnish Air Force’s medium-range air-to-air weaponry.

The Finnish Armed Forces also use AMRAAM missiles in NASAMS air defense systems.

Only recently, in December, the first multirole F-35A fighter built for the Finnish Air Force conducted its maiden flight.