The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Finland for F/A-18 Mid-Life Upgrade Program and related support, equipment, and training. The estimated cost is $156 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on December 2, 2016.

The Government of Finland has requested a possible sale of follow-on equipment and support for Finland’s F/A-18 Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) program, consisting of: Ninety (90) Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS-JTRS) variant(s). The proposed program support also includes software test and integration center upgrades, flight testing, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, transportation, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. Total estimated program cost is $156 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United State by helping to improve the security of a friendly country which has been and continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.

The Finnish Air Force (FAF) intend to purchase this MLU program equipment and services to extend the useful life of its F/A-18 fighter aircraft and enhance their survivability and communications connectivity. The FDF needs this upgrade to keep pace with technology advances in sensors, weaponry, and communications. Finland has extensive experience operating the F/A-18 aircraft and will have no difficulty incorporating the upgraded capabilities into its forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractors will be Raytheon in Waltham, Massachusetts; Lockheed Martin in Bethesda, Maryland; The Boeing Company in St. Louis, Missouri; BAE North America in Arlington, Virginia; General Electric in Fairfield, Connecticut; General Dynamics in West Falls Church, Virginia; Northrop Grumman in Falls Church, Virginia; Rockwell Collins in Cedar rapids, Iowa; ViaSat in Carlsbad, California; and Data Link Solutions in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require multiple trips to Finland involving U.S. Government and contractor representatives for technical reviews, support, and training.

DSCA press release