Air Force is the backbone of Finland's air defence
The Finnish Air Force is responsible for Finland's air defence and air operations. As its secondary mission, the service supports other authorities and participates in crisis management.
The Air Force surveils and protects the integrity of Finland's airspace on a 24/7 basis. A recognized air picture compiled of data from surveillance radars and other sensors covers Finland's territory and adjacent areas and is the key enabler of the Air Force's air policing mission.
Active air policing of the nation's entire territory demonstrates Finland's will and ability to surveil and protect its airspace. Most air policing missions are executed by the Air Force's F/A-18 Hornet multirole fighters standing on quick-reaction alert duty at air bases across the country. If an unidentified aircraft is detected inside or approaching Finnish airspace, a fighter jet may be scrambled to meet and identify the incoming aircraft, and turn it away if necessary.
In the time of a crisis, the Air Force will shift the focus to defensive counter-air operations and air defence fire control for all three services. It protects the nation's vital assets and functions from air attacks and enables the combat of the other services by countering air threats and employing air-to-surface weapon systems.
Under peacetime conditions, Air Force aircraft are normally located at the service's main operating bases (Lapland Air Wing's Rovaniemi Air Base, Karelia Air Wing's Rissala AB, Satakunta Air Wing's Pirkkala AB and Air Force Academy's Tikkakoski AB). If a need arises to adjust readiness level, either in peacetime or in the event of a crisis, aircraft may be dispersed to road bases and other remote operating locations.
As one of the statutory tasks of the Defence Forces, the Air Force supports other authorities using its unique capabilities. It also contributes to the crisis management effort and maintains and develops its interoperability.
The commander of the Air Force is Major General Timo Herranen (Curriculum Vitae).
The Air Force has approximately 2,000 uniformed and non-uniformed service members. The service trains around 1,300 conscripts each year.
