| The Finnish Air Force |
By Hans van Herk
Finland became independent on the 6th of December 1917. It fought two wars against Soviet demands and finally reached an armastice with the Soviet Union. From that moment Finland maintained a position of neutrality in international affairs. Under the 1947 Peace Treaty, its Armed Forces were limited in both equipment and personal strength. Details about the history of the Finnish Air Force can be found here
Ilmavoimat
The Air Force was formed on March, 6 1918 and currently is a small but surprisingly well-trained force. It is also backed by an efficient aircraft industry.
The latest example is the assembly at Finavitec of the newest fighter (Hornet) in the Finnish inventory. Ilmavoimat's first-line units form three Lennostot
or Wings, each being assigned to an Air Defence Area; Lapin Lennosto in Lapland (North), Satakunnan Lennosto in Satakunta (West) and Karjalan
Lennosto in Finnish Karelia (East). Operating alongside these units are a Training Squadron and Liaison Squadron.
There also is a Test Squadron which operates various aircraft on loan from other units.
The basic flying unit is the Lentolaivue or Air Squadron, of which there are three kinds; Hävittäjälentolaivue - HävLLv - or fighter squadron and Tukilentolaivue - TukiLLv - or liaison squadron.
Each comprises several Flights.
As from 2006 all Hawk aircraft were transferred from their bases to Kauhava, where it now flies with the newly established HävLLv 41.
To relieve the Kauhava airspace and to make room for the Hawk all the Vinka's were transferred to Tikkakoski and become part of the local support squadron as the basic education flight.
New pilots start with the basic education in Tikkakoski and will then go on to the Phase Two training syllabus in Kauhava. After graduation the more specific fighter pilot training will be executed with one of the Hornet squadrons.
Maavoimat
In January 1997 the helicopters of the former Kuljetuslentolaivue - KuljLLv - or transport squadron were transferred to the Maavoimat (Army). The flying unit was named HekoLtue or Helicopterflight of the Utti Jägerregiment (Utin Jääkärirykmentti). In January 2001 the flight was renamed Helikopteripataljoona - HeKop - or Helicopter Battalion. The Battalion consists of two companies which are numbered 1.HK and 2.HK (Helikopterikomppannia). The Maavoimat ordered 20 NH90 helicopters. The first one was delivered April 2008. Early 2007 the last Mil Mi-8 was withdrawn from service.
Finnish serial numbers consist of a two-letter prefix identifying the aircraft type and a sequential number of up to three digits.
|
| |
Photo: Arnold ten Pas
Photo: Frank Noort
|
Order of Battle