Finland To Upgrade F-18 Aircraft In Deal Worth $170 Million

Finland has requested the U.S DSCA for equipment and support for the F-18 Mid-Life Upgrade Program for an estimated cost of $170 million.

The Government of Finland has requested a possible sale of follow-on equipment and support for Finland’s F-18 Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) Program, consisting of F-18C/D Fleet Retrofit Kits of the following systems: 69 KIV-78s (Mode 5 Identification Friend or Foe), 69 AN/APX-11-30s (Combined Interrogator/Transponders), Multifunctional Information Distribution Systems, and 32 SUU-63 pylons. 

The proposed program support 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.

The Finnish Air Force (FAF) intends to purchase the MLU Program equipment to extend the useful life of its F-18 fighter aircraft and enhance their survivability and communications connectivity. The FAF needs this upgrade to keep pace with technology advances in sensors, weaponry, and communications.