HN-448 ¦ LSMD 25.05.2005
MDD FA-18C Hornet (c/n 1475/FNC048)
Ilmavoimat
Dübendorf Airbase (LSMD)
25 May 2005
The Finnish Air Force received a total of 55 FA-18Cs between 1995 and 2000, as well as seven FA-18D two-seat trainers. They still are the backbone of Ilmavoimat's combat capability, albeit Finland has now ordered 64 F-35As for delivery from 2026, calling for the Hornet to be phased out by 2030.
In late May 2005, the Ilmavoimat detached four Hornets to Dübendorf, for joint-training with the Swiss Air Force and their FA-18Cs. Included was HN-448, which was captured during arrival on runway 29, showing its low visibility grey scheme. HN-448 was delivered in 1999 and assembled by Patria in Finland. It was assigned to the Hävittäjälentolaivue 21 (Fighter Squadron 21) under Satakunta Air Command, based at Pirkkala Air Base.
HN-448 remains active with the Ilmavoimat, now assigned to Hävittäjälentolaivue 31 (Fighter Squadron 31) of the Karelia Air Wing, based at Rissala Air Base near Kuopio. Since it was photographed it has also received an MLU2 (Mid-Life Upgrade), with modern avionics, weapons integration and NATO interoperability.
HN-448 ¦ LSMD 25.05.2005
MDD FA-18C Hornet (c/n 1475/FNC048)
Ilmavoimat
Dübendorf Airbase (LSMD)
25 May 2005
The Finnish Air Force received a total of 55 FA-18Cs between 1995 and 2000, as well as seven FA-18D two-seat trainers. They still are the backbone of Ilmavoimat's combat capability, albeit Finland has now ordered 64 F-35As for delivery from 2026, calling for the Hornet to be phased out by 2030.
In late May 2005, the Ilmavoimat detached four Hornets to Dübendorf, for joint-training with the Swiss Air Force and their FA-18Cs. Included was HN-448, which was captured during arrival on runway 29, showing its low visibility grey scheme. HN-448 was delivered in 1999 and assembled by Patria in Finland. It was assigned to the Hävittäjälentolaivue 21 (Fighter Squadron 21) under Satakunta Air Command, based at Pirkkala Air Base.
HN-448 remains active with the Ilmavoimat, now assigned to Hävittäjälentolaivue 31 (Fighter Squadron 31) of the Karelia Air Wing, based at Rissala Air Base near Kuopio. Since it was photographed it has also received an MLU2 (Mid-Life Upgrade), with modern avionics, weapons integration and NATO interoperability.