FMS: Finland Requests AIM-9X Missiles

Released on Tuesday, June 05, 2007

WASHINGTON, June 5, 2007 - The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Finland of AIM-9X SIDEWINDER Missiles as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $56 million.

The Government of Finland has requested a possible sale of up to 100 All-Up-Round AIM-9X SIDEWINDER Missiles, Organizational and Intermediate-Level Maintenance AIM-9X spares; Section- Level shipping missile containers, missile modifications, test sets and support equipment, spare and repair parts, publications and technical data, maintenance, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor representatives' services, contractor engineering and technical support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $56 million.

This 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 that has been and continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.

Finland intends to integrate the AIM-9X SIDEWINDER missile onto its existing fleet of F/A-18 aircraft. Incorporation of the missiles onto Finnish F/A-18 aircraft will significantly enhance the Air Force's current air-to-air intercept capability. Finland, which already has SIDEWINDER missiles in its inventory, will have no difficulty absorbing these items.

The prime contractor will be Raytheon Systems Corporation, Tucson, Arizona. Offset agreements associated with this proposed sale are expected, but at this time the specific offset agreements are undetermined and will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and contractor.

Implementation of this sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government personnel in-country. However, temporary travel to Finland will be required for in-country 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; it does not mean that the sale has been concluded.