Finland to Order AIM 9X Block II Missiles, JSOWs worth $325M for its F-35 Jets

Finland could soon place an order for AIM 9X Block II tactical missiles and AGM-154 Joint Stand Off Weapons (JSOW) for nearly $325 million to be depoyed on its upcoming fleet of F-35 Jets.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

Finland has requested to buy 40 AIM 9X Block II tactical missiles; 4 AIM 9X Block II tactical guidance units; and 48 AGM-154 Joint Stand Off Weapons (JSOW). Also included are Dummy Air Training Missiles (DATM); Captive Air Training Missile (CATM); Captive Flight Vehicles (CFVs); Free Flight Vehicles (FFVs); and related equipment and support. The total estimated cost is $323.3 million.

The proposed sale will improve Finland’s air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons capabilities and will positively impact U.S. relations with countries in the Nordic region.

In December 2021, Finland announced it had chosen to buy 64 F-35 jets to replace the current fleet of F/A-18 Hornets. The first F-35s will arrive at Rovaniemi air base in 2026 and all 64, including those to be based further south in Finland, will be in operation by 2030. 

The principal contractors will be Raytheon Missiles and Defense, Tucson, AZ.