Finland will not transfer fourth-generation F/A-18 Hornet fighters to Ukraine

The Ukrainian Air Force has not yet received a single Western fighter jet. Not only that, the list of options has now narrowed as Finland has refused to hand over its planes.

Here's What We Know

Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin said during a recent visit to Ukraine that her country would consider supplying it with fourth generation F/A-18 Hornet fighters. Immediately thereafter, Defence Minister Antti Kaikkonen and President Sauli Niinistö said they had not discussed the issue.

A few weeks later, the Finnish Defence Ministry responded to Ukraine's request to negotiate the transfer of the fighter jets. Antti Kaikkonen said that this issue was not under consideration. At the same time, the minister added that Finland was preparing a new package of military assistance.

The Finnish Air Force will continue to operate the fourth generation fighters, after which it will retire them. Instead of the F/A-18 Hornet, Finland will receive fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II aircraft.

Source: Iltalehti