The U.S. State Department has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Finland, granting them the acquisition of Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles-Extended Range (AARGM-ER) and associated equipment, with an estimated cost of $500 million.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the certification of the sale to Congress on Monday.
According to the DSCA, the Pentagon’s top arms broker, the Government of Finland has formally expressed its desire to procure up to 150 AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles-Extended Range (AARGM-ERs).
The package includes Dummy Air Training Missiles (DATM), missile containers, software, training resources, support equipment, spare and repair components, publications, technical documentation, transportation, as well as U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistical support services. The total estimated cost of this comprehensive package amounts to $500 million.
According to a DSCA release, this proposed sale serves to enhance the foreign policy and national security interests of the United States by bolstering the security of Finland, a valuable NATO Ally contributing significantly to political stability and economic advancement in Europe.
By strengthening Finland’s self-defense capabilities and fostering interoperability with the United States and its allied forces, this sale will empower Finland to address both present and future security challenges. Importantly, Finland has the capacity to smoothly integrate this equipment into its armed forces.
It is essential to note that this sale will not result in any substantial alteration of the fundamental military balance within the region.
The primary contractor for this endeavor is Northrop Grumman Systems, based in Falls Church, Virginia. The proposal does not include any offset agreements in connection with this potential sale.