FMS: Third Phase of Finnish F/A-18 MLU

Released on Wednesday, September 27, 2006

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Finland for continuation of the F/A-18 Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) Program. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $300 million.

The Government of Finland has requested a possible sale for the third phase of the F/A-18 Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) Program, consisting of F/A-18C/D Fleet Retrofit Kits of the following systems: 67 AN/APG-73 Expand 4/5 Upgrades; 3 AN/RT-1851 Radio Transmitters; 5 Multifunctional Information Display Systems (MIDS/LVT); 10 Advanced Tactical Forward Looking Infrared Radar (ATFLIR); 4 AN/ALR-67V(3) Radar Warning Receivers; 5 AN/AYK-14 Mission Computer Upgrades; 2 GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM); 2 AGM-154A Joint Stand Off Weapons (JSOW); 1 AGM-84K Stand-Off Land Attack Missile/Expanded Response (SLAM-ER); and 1 AGM-88E Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles (AARGM).

The proposed program support includes recorders, receivers, devices, systems, APX-111 Combined Interrogator Transponders Mode S, components improvement program, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, publications and technical data, personnel training and equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering and other related elements of logistics and program management support. The estimated cost is $300 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 which has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.

The Finnish Air Force (FAF) intends to purchase the MLU Program equipment to enhance survivability, communications connectivity, and extend the useful life of its F/A-18 fighter aircraft. It has extensive experience operating the F/A-18 aircraft and should have no difficulties incorporating the upgraded capabilities into its forces. The FAF needs this upgrade to keep pace with technology advances in sensors, weaponry, and communications.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractor will be The Boeing Company of St. Louis, Missouri. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of a few U.S. Government or contractor representatives to travel to Finland for approximately four months. They will provide technical support during the preparation, equipment installation/testing, and checkout.

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.