Medium Range air-to-air missiles to be procured for F-35 multirole fighters

On 12 December 2025, Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen authorised the Defence Forces Logistics Command to procure AIM-120D-3 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) from the United States. The missiles are compatible with the F-35A multirole fighters.

The AMRAAMs will supplement the F-35 multirole fighter system’s capability. The AIM-120D-3 variant is the newest and most advanced version of the missile. The US congress authorised the sale of the AMRAAMs, manufactured by Raytheon (RTX Corporation), in September 2025. The first missile deliveries will coincide with the F-35s entering into service.

The procurement includes the missiles, manuals and technical documentation, spare parts and accessories, transportation services as well as manufacturer and supplier training, repair and support services as per the Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA). The procurement contract also includes services offered by the US government.
- Back when the F-35 procurement decision was made, Finland wanted to make sure that we could equip the fighters with the most modern weapon systems available.  We are getting there now, thanks to the weapon procurement decisions that we have made earlier and the most recent one, the procurement of the AMRAAM D-3 variant, says F-35 Programme Director, Colonel (ret.) Henrik Elo.

At the moment, the advanced medium range air-to-air missiles used in the F/A-18 Hornets are a key part of the Finnish Air Force’s medium range air-to-air capability. They are also used in the Army's ITO12 (NASAMS) surface-to-air system. The new D-3s will be used in the F-35s only.

For more information about the F-35 programme: The F-35 Programme – the Defence Forces

For more information:
Colonel (ret.) Henrik Elo
F-35 Programme Director, Air Force Command Finland
+358 (0)299 800 (The Defence Forces switchboard)