US approves F-35 and F/A-18 for Finland’s HX tender
The F-35 and F/A-18 have both been cleared for sale to Finland dependent on the outcome of a fighter aircraft tender.
The US State Department has approved two FMS packages for the F-35 and F/A-18 should one or other be selected as the winning aircraft for Finland’s €10 billion ($11.82 billion) HX fighter acquisition.
A package for 50 F/A-18E Super Hornet, eight F/A-18F Super Hornet, 14 EA-18G Growler aircraft, assorted weapons and subsystems, at an estimated cost of $14.7 billion has been cleared.
Similarly, approval for 64 F-35A aircraft alongside air-to-air, air-to-ground missiles and associated equipment, worth $12.5 billion has been granted.
HX test and evaluations of F-35A, Eurofighter Typhoon, Gripen E/F, GlobalEye, Rafale and F/A-18 and E/A-18G aircraft were completed by Finland during flight trials in January and February.
Helsinki is set to send best and final offer requests to industry competitors before the end of 2020, ahead of a contract award for the programme set to be issued in 2021.
New aircraft will replace a fleet of legacy F/A-18C/D fighters.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
H-X Fighter Programme (Finland)
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Defence Notes
-
![What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration]()
What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration
Although Trump’s geopolitics policy for Europe remains unclear, defence analysts from the US and Europe predict how his incoming administration would attempt to handle critical issues on the continent.
-
![RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific]()
RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October was the first by a Labour government in 14 years which has also launched a review into defence procurement programmes.
-
![Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard]()
Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard
The Australian government has placed a focus on Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) which has included the purchase of additional long-range rocket systems and investments in local production of missiles.
-
![UK boosts defence budget by 5.3%, but is this enough?]()
UK boosts defence budget by 5.3%, but is this enough?
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October is the first by a Labour government in 14 years. While it sees a boost in defence spending, this comes in the face of fiscal challenges and the effects of inflation.
-
![UK makes big moves to fix “broken” defence procurement system ahead of major review]()
UK makes big moves to fix “broken” defence procurement system ahead of major review
The changes are intended to meet greater need and deliver more value for money.
-
![US companies invest in production capabilities to satisfy DoD’s hunger for cutting-edge capabilities]()
US companies invest in production capabilities to satisfy DoD’s hunger for cutting-edge capabilities
BAE Systems, Booz Allen Hamilton and Lockheed Martin have been betting on new facilities and innovative manufacturing technologies to speed up the development of new solutions.
