Finnish parliament calls for Hawk replacement

Having operated its earliest Hawks since 1980s, Finland needs to replace the advanced jet trainer for a more modern type. (Janes/Patrick Allen)

Finland's parliament has called for the replacement of the country's ageing BAE Systems Hawk advanced jet trainer aircraft.

In its Development and resource needs of national defence in the 2030s report published on 2 June 2026, Finland's parliamentary working group on defence said that the Finnish Air Force now needs to retire its remaining Hawks in favour of a modern lead-in fighter trainer (LIFT) aircraft.

“The procurement of a new national training solution must begin to ensure the quality of [Lockheed Martin] F-35 [Lightning II] pilot training, and to replace the current Hawk jet trainer fleet,” the report said.

According to Janes World Air Forces, the Finnish Air Force has eight Hawk Mk 51 aircraft it received new from 1980, seven Hawk Mk 55A aircraft it received new from 1993, and 15 Hawk Mk 66 aircraft it received surplus from Switzerland (and later upgraded by Patria) in 2011. These 30 Hawks are operated by the Air Force Academy for pilot training, and by the Midnight Hawks national aerobatic display team.

For more, please see Finland touts pooled AEW&C with Nordic neighbours