The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Finland of up to 150 AIM-9X Sidewinder Missiles, as well as associated equipment and services.

The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $100 million.

The Government of Finland has requested a possible sale of up to 150 AIM-9X Sidewinder Missiles, 11 AIM-9X Dummy Air Training Missiles, 40 AIM-9X Captive Air Training Missiles, missile containers, test sets and support equipment, spare and repair parts, publications and technical data, maintenance, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor representatives, contractor engineering and technical support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $100 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that has been and continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.

Finland intends to integrate the AIM-9X Sidewinder missile onto its existing fleet of F/A-18 aircraft as part of its aircraft mid-life upgrade program. Incorporation of the missiles onto Finnish F/A-18 aircraft will significantly enhance the Air Force's current air-to-air intercept capability. Finland, which already has Sidewinder missiles in its inventory, will have no difficulty absorbing these items.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractor will be Raytheon Systems, of Tucson, Arizona. Offset agreements associated with this proposed sale are expected, but at this time the specific offset agreements are undetermined and will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and contractor.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of several additional U.S. Government and contractor representatives to travel to Finland for two-week intervals twice annually to participate in training, program management, and technical reviews.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law; it does not mean that the sale has been concluded.