The American F-35A Lightning II fighter will replace the Boeing F / A-18C / D HORNE aircraft of the Air Force (Air Force) of Finland. Finnish self-defense forces chose the fifth generation aircraft in the HX tender. It is reported by the newspaper “ILTalehti” with reference to sources in the field of defense and foreign policy.
If the Finnish government supports the choice of F-35A as a new fighter, the decision will be approved for about ten days. Sources of publication noted that the choice of F-35A led to the characteristics of the aircraft and the service life. F-35 Lightning II operator countries have pledged to support the platform until the 2060s.
HX program initiated in 2015. The tender involves the purchase of 64 new aircraft, which will replace the 62 fighter F / A-18C / D Hornet of Finland Air Force. The Finnish side also considered Boeing F / A-18E / F Super Hornet, Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale and Saab JAS-39E / F Gripen NG. In 2020, aircraft were tested in Finland.
Earlier in the Publication of RIA Novosti described the vulnerability of fifth generation fighters F-35 Lightning II. Refueling in the air can deprive aircraft advantages of using stealth technology.
In October, the DRIVE edition reported on the preparation of the training battle between the Indian SU-30MCs of Russian Development and Japanese F-35 Lightning II.