US Approves $156 Million for F-18 Jet Upgrades for Finland

The US Department of State has made a determination to approve a possible $156 million Foreign Military Sale to Finland for upgrades to extend the life of its F-18 combat aircraft, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a release.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The F/A-18 aircraft will receive variants of 90 Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS-JTRS), the release stated.

"The government of Finland has requested a possible sale of follow-on equipment and support for Finland’s F/A-18 Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) program," the release stated on Monday. "Total estimated program cost is $156 million."

Support also includes software test and integration center upgrades, flight testing, spare and repair parts and support and test equipment, the release added.

Principal contractors include Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, BAE North America, General Electric, General Dynamics, Northrop Grumman and Rockwell Collins.