Aviation
Military /
Europe
Gripen or F-35?
Finland will likely opt for American fighter jets for its armed forces, according to sources
Saab F-39 Gripen
Image: Public Domain
Rafael Ramos
12/8/2021
On Wednesday, Magdalena Andersson, Sweden's new prime minister, met with Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin and President Sauli Niinistö. To discuss “defence and security issues of interest to Sweden and Finland”, say the Government Offices.
According to a publication in the SVT Niheter newspaper, Finland would likely buy American F-35 fighter jets instead of the Swedish Gripen, in an $11.3 billion deal.
According to information from SVT Niheter, a Finnish group of about 100 people, many pilots, recommended the acquisition of the American fighter. The Saab Gripen E, a fighter with international sale to Brazil, was also among the possible choices.
The Finnish Air Force operates 64 units of the F/A-18 Hornet, which must be retired from 2025, to make way for the newly chosen.
Finnish media claims that Lockheed Martin's decision to fighter jet must have been based on the fighter's longevity and performance. In addition, the operating costs of the plane will be “kept within budget”.
However, Denmark received its first unit of the F-35 during the spring, and its media reported that the US fighter project was late and more expensive than planned.
Despite the information, no decision has yet been made. Confirmation of what the new Finnish Air Force fighter should be is due before the end of the year.
Lockheed Martin F-35
Image: Public Domain
F35 Lightning II
Public Domain
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Rafael Ramos
Aviation enthusiast from an early age, he had his first contacts with the area developing that good old habit of spending dozens of hours in front of the screens of Micrsoft Flight Simulator and other simulators. With a solid background in various technological areas, including engineering and chemistry, Rafael has rejoined aviation as editor and author of articles and materials on our portal, providing invaluable help to the dynamics and expansion of the website and the aeronautical community, bringing us the news and updates so indispensable for us to remain current in our area of operation.
   
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