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World Aviation Defense & Security News - Finland
 
 
US oks a $156 mn FMS from Finland for F/A-18 fighters Mid-Life Upgrade Program
 
The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Finland for F/A-18 fighter jets Mid-Life Upgrade Program and related support, equipment, and training for an estimated cost of $156 million, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced on Dec. 5, 2016.
     
US oks a 156 mn FMS from Finland for F A 18 fighters Mid Life Upgrade Progra 640 001A FAF F/A-18C fighter jet
(Credit: Ministry of Defence of Finland)
     
The Finnish Government has requested a possible sale of follow-on equipment and support for Finland’s F/A-18 Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) program, consisting of 90 Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS-JTRS) variant(s). The proposed program support also includes software test and integration center upgrades, flight testing, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, transportation, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. Total estimated program cost is $156 million.

"The Finnish Air Force (FAF) intend to purchase this MLU program equipment and services to extend the useful life of its F/A-18 fighter aircraft and enhance their survivability and communications connectivity. The FDF needs this upgrade to keep pace with technology advances in sensors, weaponry, and communications," the DSCA said on its website.

The principal contractors include Raytheon; Lockheed Martin; Boeing; BAE North America and General Electric.

The Finnish Air Force operates a total of 54 F/A-18C/D multirole fighter jets, allocated to the fighter squadron 11, 21 and 31.