Who Will Win Finland’s Fighter Contest?

May 06, 2021

Saab Gripen and GlobalEye Fleet Size: 64 JAS-39Es, 2 GlobalEyes (Bombardier Global 6000s)

In addition to offering a one-to-one replacement of the existing Hornet fleet, Saab is offering assembly of a substantial number of the Finnish Gripens and their engines. The company is also proposing the creation of a system center to support and develop capabilities for the Gripen and work for Finnish industry. Closer harmonization with the Swedish Air Force would be in the cards, too.

Lockheed Martin F-35A Joint Strike Fighter Fleet Size: 50-60 aircraft (estimated)

As the only fifth-generation fighter in the lineup, with significant European successes behind it to boot, the F-35 may be the one to watch. But given that Finland is a nonaligned, neutral country, F-35 support and mission data systems could be challenged by Finnish national needs. Lockheed Martin says it can provide sustainment tailored to meet security of Finnish supply needs as well as work on the wider F-35 program for Finnish industry.

French Air Force Planning SEAD/DEAD Capability for Rafale

Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet Fleet Size: 50 F/A-18Es, 14 EA-18G Growlers

Boeing says it will establish technology transfer and other capabilities to allow Finland to sustain the aircraft over its lifetime and plans to set up projects with Finnish industry and academia. As the incumbent supplier, Boeing is offering a one-for-one replacement of the existing fleet within Finland’s €9 billion ceiling, which could make the F/A-18 an attractive option.

Eurofighter Typhoon Fleet Size: 50-60 aircraft (estimated)

eway IV precision-guided bomb.

The bids are in for Europe’s largest fighter procurement in a decade, and all five contenders remain in the race. The four governments representing the five Western fighter manufacturers vying for Finland’s €9.4 billion ($11.3 billion) HX fighter requirement delivered their final offers to Helsinki on April 29. 

Now procurement officials will scrutinize the military performance, cost, security of supply and proposed industrial cooperation being offered by the manufacturers to replace the country’s Boeing F/A-18 Hornet fleet.  

Which aircraft do you think will win the bid for Finland's fighter contest? Look through the options above and cast your vote here: 

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Read the full analysis here: 

Contenders Make Final Commitments To Finnish Fighter Contest

Comments

2 Comments
Registered User
Fri, 05/07/2021 - 14:02
The F-18 G is also available for Finland to purchase making the F-18 comparable package comparable to Saabs.
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Fri, 05/07/2021 - 17:38
The Growler adds a penetration capability that the GlobalEye cannot match, it needing to stand off. Whether the Finns need that is a different question