Historic Aviation Spectacle: F-35 and Hornet to Fly in Formation at Vaasa Airshow
Aviation enthusiasts are in for a historic treat at the Vaasa Airshow on June 15-16, 2024, as the skies over Finland will witness an unprecedented formation flight. The Royal Netherlands Air Force’s F-35 Lightning II will join the Finnish Air Force’s F/A-18 Hornet in a spectacular display, marking the first time these two fighter jets will fly together in Finnish airspace.
The Royal Netherlands Air Force is bringing two F-35 Lightning II fighter jets to the event, with one of these state-of-the-art aircraft scheduled to perform dynamic flybys on Saturday. This formation flight alongside the Finnish F/A-18 Hornet is set to be the highlight of the airshow, offering spectators an unforgettable experience and a rare glimpse of both current and next-generation fighter jets in action.
Royal Netherlands Air Force F-35A
Royal International Air Tattoo 2023
“This is incredibly fantastic! We have been trying for years, and now we finally succeeded!” exclaimed Jyri Mattila, the Display Director. “In the same formation, we will see Finland’s current and future fighter jets, providing an unforgettable experience for all attendees.”
The F-35 Lightning II is globally recognized as the most advanced multi-role fighter jet, combining cutting-edge technology, speed, and agility. As a fifth-generation fighter, it is designed to meet the challenges of future aerial combat with its stealth capabilities, superior sensor fusion, and advanced weapon systems. The F/A-18 Hornet, meanwhile, has been a reliable mainstay of the Finnish Air Force, known for its versatility and performance in various combat scenarios.
Adding to the excitement, the Airbus A330 MRTT aerial refuelling aircraft will make its debut appearance at a Finnish airshow. This modern tanker from the Multinational Multirole Tanker Transport Unit is one of the star attractions of the static display and the largest aircraft at the show. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to explore the interior of this versatile tanker, which is designed for both air-to-air refuelling and cargo transport.
The A330 MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport) is an engineering marvel capable of carrying 111 tons of fuel without additional fuel tanks while still leaving space for 45 tons of other cargo. Remarkably, it can transport over 300 passengers, with the cabin configuration being highly adaptable to various requirements.
This airshow not only showcases state-of-the-art aviation technology but also strengthens the bond between the Finnish and Dutch air forces. It serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts in advancing military aviation capabilities and offers the public a rare and thrilling view of these extraordinary aircraft.
As anticipation builds, aviation fans from around the world are expected to flock to Vaasa to witness this historic event. The airshow promises to deliver an exhilarating experience, celebrating both the legacy and the future of aerial combat.
