The State Department has made a determination approving possible Foreign Military Sales to the Government of Finland of F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler aircraft, weapons and related equipment for an estimated cost of $14.7 billion alongside sale of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft with air-to-air missiles and air-to-ground precision guided munitions and related equipment for an estimated cost of $12.5 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale.
These proposed sales will support the foreign policy and national security of the U.S. by improving the security of a trusted partner which is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist Finland in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability.
The proposed sale of F/A-18E/Fs, EA-18Gs, F-35s and associated weapons will provide Finland with a credible defense capability to deter aggression in the region and ensure interoperability with U.S. Forces. The proposed sale will replace Finland's retiring F/A-18C/Ds and F/A-18s and enhance its air-to-air and air-to-ground self-defense capability. Finland will have no difficulty absorbing these aircraft into its armed forces.
The proposed sales of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractors of the F/A-18E/Fs and EA-18Gs will be The Boeing Company, St. Louis, Mo.; Northrop Grumman, Los Angeles, Calif.; Raytheon Company, El Segundo, Calif.; Raytheon Missile Systems Company, Tucson, Ariz.; General Electric, Lynn, Mass.; and Lockheed Martin, Troy, Ala.
The prime contractors of the F-35s will be Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, Fort Worth, Texas; Pratt & Whitney Military Engines, East Hartford, Conn.; The Boeing Company, St. Charles, Mo.; and Raytheon Missiles and Defense, Tucson, Ariz.
These proposals are being offered in the context of a competition. If the proposal is accepted, it is expected that offset agreements will be required. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor(s).
Implementation of the proposed sale of the F/A-18E/Fs and EA-18Gs will require the assignment of six additional U.S. contractor representatives to Finland on an intermittent basis for a duration of the life of the case to support delivery of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft and provide supply support management, inventory control and equipment familiarization.
Implementation of the proposed sale of the F/A-18s will require multiple trips to Finland involving U.S. Government and contractor representatives for technical reviews/support, program management and training over the life of the program. U.S. contractor representatives will be required in Finland to conduct Contractor Engineering Technical Services and Autonomic Logistics and Global Support for after-aircraft delivery.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of these proposed sales.
This notice of potential sales is required by law. The description and dollar value is for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value is expected to be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded.