Finland Boosts Defense Long Range Missiles Ordered for F-35A

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Following its accession to NATO, Finland now has priority access to military equipment procurement from the United States. As part of a defense package that includes the purchase of 64 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter jets, the Finnish Ministry of Defense has also ordered long-range AGM-158B JASSM (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile) ER (Extended Range) missiles. The first batch of these jets is set to arrive in 2026, and the delivery of the AGM-158B JASSM ER will be coordinated with the F-35A's integration into the Finnish Air Force. On May 31, 2024, Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen announced the acquisition of these missiles from Lockheed Martin.
Before joining NATO, the Finnish Air Force already utilized the 'A' variant (AGM-158A JASSM), launched from Boeing FA-18C/D Hornet fighter jets. The AGM-158B JASSM ER, with a range of up to 1,000 kilometers due to a new turbofan engine and additional fuel capacity, significantly extends Finland's strike capabilities. This extended range poses a substantial threat to Russia, as the missile could target major cities like Saint Petersburg and Moscow if launched from Finland's border. The procurement will include missiles, documentation, spare parts, equipment, transportation services, training, and support services through 2031. Other NATO members operating the F-35 that have also ordered the AGM-158B JASSM ER include the Netherlands, Poland, and Germany.