Finland is to purchase long range cruise missiles from the United States for its Hornet fighters. The missiles will be acquired from Lockheed Martin with a total cost of almost 180 million euros.
According to a Defence Ministry statement, Finland’s armed forces will sign an agreement to purchase AGM-158 JASSM (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile) for the country’s F-18 Hornet fighters.
Cash for the missiles has already been allocated in the defence budget.
The deal with a total value of 178.5 million euros also includes the necessary changes to the Hornet fighters as well as training and combat missiles, technical documentation and training.
The US Congress and Department of Defense approved the deal in November, paving the way for the acquisition of the missiles by the Finnish Defence Forces.
Minister: missiles will enhance defence capability
Defence Minister Stefan Wallin believes the missile deal for Finland’s F-18 Hornet fighters will enhance the capability of the country’s armed forces. In his view, the purchase will maximize the operating life of the fighters.
He rejected criticism that acquiring the missiles was irresponsible at a time when garrisons face closure.
