Finland to acquire AARGM-ER for F-35s

The AARGM-ER will be employed by Finnish F-35As in the long-range suppression/destruction of enemy air defences. (Northrop Grumman)

Finland is to acquire the Northrop Grumman AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile – Extended Range (AARGM-ER) missile to equip its future fleet of Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft, the country's minister of defence announced on 24 October.

Antti Häkkänen said that the long-range suppression/destruction of enemy air defences (SEAD/DEAD) is to be purchased by Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command to improve the survivability of the F-35 when operating under the threat of “the adversary's” long-range ground-based air-defence systems.

“The AGM-88G AARGM-ER represents a new type of capability for the Finnish Defence Forces that has not been acquired before by Finland,” the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said. “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 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 procurement includes an undisclosed number of missiles, software, parts and related equipment, manuals and documentation, shipping, as well as the manufacturer's and supplier's training, repair, and support services in 2024–31 as laid down in the letter of offer and acceptance (LOA).

Häkkänen's disclosure came 12 months after the US Department of State approved in October 2023 the sale of up to 150 of the anti-radiation missiles, as well as related equipment and services for an estimated USD500 million. The AARGM-ER will equip the Finnish Air Force's 64 F-35As, the first of which will be delivered from 2025 through to 2030.