Finland to purchase Patria's Hawk Simulator for Future F-35 Flight Training

Finland and Patria have made a deal to use the Hawk Full Mission Simulator (FMS), which is set to be delivered to the Finnish Air Force in 2026 for F-35 pilot training.

It will play a crucial role in both the Hawk's type training phase and tactical training phase.

“Within the acquisition, the pilot training path will be secured far into the future also to the F-35 era,” comments Teemu Lähdekorpi, responsible for Patria’s Air Force business area.

The Hawk FMS will be integrated into the Finnish Air Force's Hawk Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) training environment, which Patria is responsible for. Computers create important characters in the training scenario, adjusting how they act according to programmed models or artificial intelligence. LVC training offers affordable and lifelike training for aspiring pilots, helping them transition to the fighter fleet.

Patria has previously delivered networked Hawk simulators to the Finnish Air Force, including the Hawk Part Task Trainer and Hawk Mission Trainer. While the new simulator will incorporate technology solutions from these previous deliveries, it will enhance system modeling accuracy and realism compared to earlier military pilot training simulators.