Approval has been granted by the US government for the potential sale to Finland of both the Boeing F/A-18E/F and Lockheed Martin F-35 as part of the Nordic nation’s HX fighter replacement programme. Worth a total $14.7 billion, the Super Hornet deal comprises 50 E-model single-seaters, plus eight examples of the two-seat F-model variant, alongside 14 EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft.
The F-35 sale, meanwhile, would comprise 64 conventional take-off and landing A-model examples, worth $12.5 billion.
According to a notification from the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, both purchases also feature installed and spare engines, munitions – including the Raytheon AIM-9X Sidewinder and Lockheed AGM-158 JASSM-ER – countermeasures, training and logistics support. In addition, electronic warfare equipment would be supplied for the Growlers.
Helsinki is seeking to replace its air force’s elderly F/A-18C/D fighters under the HX effort. The US-built fighters face competition from the Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon and Saab Gripen E.
Contract award is due in 2021, with the Hornet fleet to be phased out by 2030....ARTICLE ENDS
