Could Ukraine receive 62 F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets?
This refers to the potential transfer to Ukraine of F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets in the C (55 aircraft) and D (7 aircraft) variants, which are currently in service with the Finnish Air Force and are gradually being phased out. Experts are assessing the likelihood of such a transfer and its impact on strengthening Ukraine’s air force.
However, there is no official confirmation of such plans, writes Defense Express.
Reports are circulating online about a possible transfer of up to 62 used F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets from Finland to Ukraine.
These are C-model (55 aircraft) and D-model (7 aircraft) fighters currently in service with the Finnish Air Force and gradually being phased out following the country’s transition to the F-35. It is this fact that has fueled online speculation.
However, the publications themselves contain no information about a decision having been made to transfer the aircraft to Ukraine. Moreover, official representatives have not previously confirmed such intentions. Therefore, Russian media simply distorted the entire meaning of the original report, and ultimately, what was originally “the transfer was discussed, but there is no news” became “the transfer will definitely take place.”
Experts note that even if these fighter jets are decommissioned, their potential transfer to Ukraine is a complex and lengthy process. Specifically, this involves the need to train crews, handle logistics, and obtain approval from the U.S. as the platform’s manufacturer.
The publication questioned whether the transfer of 62 Finnish F/A-18 Hornets is actually possible if they are going to be decommissioned anyway. Decommissioning is scheduled for 2028–2030, and until they are replaced by F-35s, those aircraft cannot be transferred.
It is separately emphasized that the transfer of F/A-18 Hornets could complicate the standardization of the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ air fleet, which is already being formed around several different types of Western aircraft.
According to the information, it must be taken into account that if the F/A-18 Hornets are retired in 2028 and training of Ukrainian crews on them begins immediately, along with the process of transferring them to Ukraine, then the first aircraft will likely begin arriving around 2030.
At the same time, as the publication notes, after all these costs and challenges, the Ukrainian Air Force could end up with a fleet of up to 62 F/A-18 Hornet fighters, which won’t be able to serve for very long due to their remaining service life. And the transfer requires approval and assistance from the U.S., which could simply refuse.
Therefore, the best option for Ukraine would likely be to invest the resources required for the F/A-18 Hornet transfer into the purchase of new fighter jets, such as the JAS-39 Gripen.
Thus, the information about the alleged transfer of 62 F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets to Ukraine has not yet been confirmed and is based on interpretations and rumors, rather than official decisions.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine would allocate part of the €90 billion in financial aid from the European Union to defense needs, specifically for the purchase of Gripen fighter jets from Sweden. According to the head of state, the funding will help strengthen Ukraine’s defense and modernize its aviation capabilities.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated that Stockholm and other countries in the region are prepared for possible actions by Russia in response to support for Ukraine, particularly in the event of the transfer of Gripen fighter jets.
