Finland looks to crown new fighter from overcrowded acquisition
Tests and evaluations of five candidates involved in Finland’s HX Fighter Programme (HX-FP) are set to run through to 26 February and will act as a decisive period in the country’s search for a F/A-18C/D replacement fleet.
The live trials of each competitor aircraft, hosted by Satakunta Air Command, are being held at Pirkkala air base and represent a major part of capability assessments to be made by the Finnish Air Force as it looks to gain a firsthand understanding of performance, sensors and systems in an operational environment which can typically reach temperatures of -1°C to -9°C.
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![Taiwan approved for purchase of $11 billion in weapons from US]()
Taiwan approved for purchase of $11 billion in weapons from US
The US State Department’s approval of a multi-billion-dollar sale of weapons to Taiwan includes tactical mission networks equipment, uncrewed aerial systems, artillery rocket systems and self-propelled howitzers as well as anti-tank guided missiles.
-
![US National Security Strategy prioritises advanced military capabilities and national industry]()
US National Security Strategy prioritises advanced military capabilities and national industry
The 2025 NSS has emphasised investment in the US nuclear and air defence inventory and national industry, but it leaves multiple unanswered questions on how the White House will implement this approach.
-
![Canada set to look away from its neighbour and across the Atlantic for partners]()
Canada set to look away from its neighbour and across the Atlantic for partners
While non-EU UK struggles to join the Security Action for Europe initiative, which provides loans for defence programmes, Canada has become the first country outside Europe to get access – and did so for a nominal fee.
-
![NATO experiments with solutions to integrate networks, AI and uncrewed systems]()
NATO experiments with solutions to integrate networks, AI and uncrewed systems
During the latest edition of the NATO DiBaX, the alliance tested multiple capabilities to inform requirements for future efforts.
