Anti-Radiation Homing Missiles for F-35 Multi-Role Fighters

Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen has authorised the Finnish Defence Forces on October 23rd 2024 to conduct the procurement of Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range (AARGM-ER) missiles. The missiles to be purchased by the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command improve the survivability of the F-35 multi-role fighter operating under the threat of the adversary’s long-range ground-based air defence systems.

AGM-88G AARGM-ER missiles will be used with the Finnish Air Force F-35A multi-role fighter replacing the F/A-18 Hornet’s capabilities. The AARGM-ER is an anti-radiation homing missile, and the procurement supplements the capabilities of the F-35. The missiles enhance the F-35’s survivability when operating under the threat of the enemy’s long-range ground-based air defence systems.

The procurement includes missiles, software, replacement parts, accessories, manuals and documentation, transport services as well as the manufacturer’s and supplier’s training, repair and support services in 2024–2031 as laid down in the Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA). The missile system will be delivered in line with the service introduction schedule for the Air Force F-35A multi-role fighters.

The AGM-88G AARGM-ER represents a new type of capability for the Defence Forces that has not been acquired before by Finland. The missiles to be purchased are part of the weapons included in the F-35A fighter procurement package. The need for the capability achieved with the Northrop Grumman’s AARGM-ER missiles was recognised during the tendering phase of the HX Programme, and the request for release of the missiles was submitted to the United States Government in 2018. The United States Congress authorised the sale of the missiles to Finland in the autumn of 2023. Finland is one of the first countries outside the United States to whom the sale of AGM-88G AARGM-ER missiles has been released.

– AARGM-ER missiles expand the range of mission types conducted by the Air Force while increasing the survivability of the F-35 fleet in the area affected by the enemy’s ground-based air defence systems. This contributes to the F-35’s capability of protecting Army and Navy combat operations and vital assets of our society, says F-35 Programme Director, Colonel (ret.) Henrik Elo.
 

For additional information, please contact:

Colonel (Ret.) Henrik Elo 
F-35 Programme Director, Air Force Command Finland 
+ 358 299 800 (Defence Forces switchboard)

Brigadier General (Eng.) Juha-Matti Ylitalo
Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Logistics Command, Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command Headquarters
+ 358 299 800 (Defence Forces switchboard).