Finish Defence Forces to Start HX Fighter Project: The Finish Defence Forces recently have received a mandate from Defence Minister Jussi Niinistoe to start the HX fighter project. The aim is to replace the operational capability of the Finish Air Force (FiAF) F/A-18 aircraft which will be phased out as of 2025. The decision on starting the project is based on the government programme. A working group that was set up to assess the replacement of the FiAF F/A-18 aircraft proposed in June the procurement of multi-role fighters. The capabilities of multi-role fighters play a significant role in securing a pre-emptive threshold which would stop a possible aggressor from using military force against Finland. The capabilities of the HORNET fleet are an integral part of air defence and the joint fire capability of the Defence Forces to engage land- and sea-based targets. In addition, these capabilities support intelligence, surveillance and C2 systems in the Defence Forces. As the project to replace the capabilities of the HORNET fleet will take about 15 years to complete the decision was taken to act on the recommendation of the working group. The decision on submitting requests for information and calls for tenders will be made during this parliamentary term while the actual procurement decision will have to be made in the early 2020s. The replacement is not possible within the framework of the current defence budget and therefore requires separate funding. The parliament will decide on the funding under its budgetary authority.
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