The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress today of a possible Foreign Military Sale of follow-on equipment and support for Finland’s F-18 Mid-Life Upgrade Program for an estimated cost of $170 million.

The Government of Finland has requested a possible sale of follow-on equipment and support for Finland’s F-18 Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) Program, consisting of F-18C/D Fleet Retrofit Kits of the following systems: 69 KIV-78s (Mode 5 Identification Friend or Foe), 69 AN/APX-11-30s (Combined Interrogator/Transponders), Multifunctional Information Distribution Systems, and 32 SUU-63 pylons. The proposed program support 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. The estimated cost is $170 million.

The proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States 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) intends to purchase the MLU Program equipment to extend the useful life of its F-18 fighter aircraft and enhance their survivability and communications connectivity. The FAF needs this upgrade to keep pace with technology advances in sensors, weaponry, and communications. Finland has extensive experience operating the F-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; and Rockwell Collins 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, program management, and training.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

–