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Finland wants info on fighters to replace its aging F/A-18Cs

Finland is looking for a multipurpose fighter to replace its aging fleet of F/A-18C jets.

By Richard Tomkins
An F/A-18C Hornet of the Finnish Air Force, which the country is seeking to replace in the next decade. Photo courtesy of Finnish Air Force
An F/A-18C Hornet of the Finnish Air Force, which the country is seeking to replace in the next decade. Photo courtesy of Finnish Air Force

HELSINKI, Finland, April 22 (UPI) -- Finland's Defense Forces Logistics Department has sent a Request for Information for the acquisition of aircraft to replace its current F/A-18 fleet.

The RFI was sent to defense officials of the United States, France, Britain and Sweden for forwarding to manufacturers, the Finnish Ministry of Defense said.

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Finland is contemplating a new multipurpose fighter for operations from 2030 on. The RFIs will be used as the basis for the government to issue invitations in 2018 to bid on a contract that is expected to be awarded in 2021.

The RFIs, which will detailed information on the aircraft, avionics, weapons and servicing, must be submitted by the end of this year.

The Finnish Air Force currently operates more than 50 F/A-18C aircraft. Under its H-X project, replacement fighters are to begin entering service in 2025.

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