Ilmavoimien

Ilmavoimat, or the Finnish Air Force, is the air warfare branch of the Finnish Defence Forces. Its primary mission is to defend Finland’s airspace, provide air support to land and naval forces, conduct search and rescue, and participate in international missions and humanitarian relief. In peacetime it maintains a network of air bases and personnel capable of rapid response, and in crisis it coordinates with the Finnish Border Guard and other agencies as required. The force also contributes to deterrence and interoperability within international security arrangements.

History: The Finnish Air Force traces its origins to early aviation and grew into a dedicated service during the interwar period. It saw combat in the Winter War (1939–1940) and the Continuation War (1941–1944). After World War II it transitioned to jet-powered aircraft and increasingly integrated with Western defense structures. Following Finland’s accession to NATO in 2023, the Ilmavoimat has expanded multinational training and interoperability programs and participates in allied exercises.

Organization: The air force is commanded by the Commander of the Finnish Air Force and is organized into wings and squadrons based at multiple bases across Finland. It maintains air-defense capabilities, maintenance, training, and recovery operations, as well as intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assets.

Equipment and modernization: The Ilmavoimat operates a mix of fighter, trainer, and transport aircraft. Historically it has flown F-18 Hornets and a range of training aircraft; it is undergoing modernization to incorporate fifth-generation fighters (F-35A) and updated support systems. It also operates defense radars and air-traffic control infrastructure.