NEWTOWN, Conn. - The Finnish Armed Forces (FAF) have been well-served by their fleet of Boeing F/A-18C/D Hornet multi-role jet fighters since deliveries of the aircraft began in 1995. The Hornet became Finland's fighter of choice in May 1992 when it was selected as the preferred platform to replace the Finnish Air Force' fleet of aging MiG-21s and Saab J 35C Drakens. Finland's Ministry of Defense intends on keeping this fleet in service through 2025, and possibly out to 2028. To meet this service-life goal the Hornets are currently being put through an ongoing $2.5 billion comprehensive midlife upgrade program that is expected to conclude in 2016.
While this is expected to keep the Hornet fleet operational well into the next decade the time to begin planning for a possible replacement has now begun. A working group to study future options for Finland's air-defense component is being put into motion by the Ministry of Defense under the assumption that any solution will carry with it a price tag of around EUR6 billion ($7.67 billion). One possibility to be examined is whether the Hornet fleet's service lives may be pushed beyond the 30-year threshold and still remain mission-capable.
More likely, however, is the possibility of acquiring a newer-generation fighter, such as the Gripen from Sweden's Saab or the stealthy F-35 from Lockheed Martin. Sweden is currently concentrating on the development of an advanced version of the Gripen, the E standard (also referred to as the NG - new generation - or "Super Gripen"). This model will outfit Sweden's armed forces going forward and with Finnish-Swedish defense cooperation continuing to intensify the single-engine aircraft will at the very least receive perfunctory consideration if Saab/Sweden promotes the Gripen option to meet the Finnish requirement. The F-35, meanwhile, has support from inside the Finnish defense community and will be operated by fellow Nordic defense partner Norway.
Whatever the decision, the clock is now ticking and Finland is readying its options.
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