Defence Forces to buy long-range air-to-surface missiles

Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen on Friday approved an additional procurement of JASSM missiles, said Finnish Defence Forces in a press release.

The missiles will enhance the air-to-surface capability range. The missiles will be delivered within the Finnish Air Force F-35 integration time line.

The AGM-158B JASSM-ER missile (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile - Extended Range) will be used in the F-35 multirole fighter replacing the F/A-18 Hornet capability.

The procurement that will be carried out by the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command supplements the F-35 multirole fighter system’s capability with the precision-guided munition of a longer than previous range.

The acquisition contains missiles, manuals and documentation, replacement parts, equipment, transportation services as well as manufacturer and supplier training, repair and support services in the years 2024-2031 as per the LOA (Letter of Approval) agreement.

The procurement contract also includes US administrative services.

The US Congress authorised the sale of the Lockheed Martin AGM-15B JASSM-ER missiles during the HX Programme tendering process in 2020.

“The range, accuracy and survivability of the weapon effect will essentially contribute to our own countermeasures to stop a potential aggressor. Apart from the other F-35 features, the current procurement will enhance our defence capability significantly,” said F-35 Programme Director, Colonel (Ret.) Henrik Elo.