Finland buys Grob G115Es for flight training

[Zarvan]

Finland is to acquire 28 used Grob G115E trainer aircraft to replace its fleet of Valmet L-70 Vinka aircraft. Source: IHS/Patrick Allen

Finland's Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced on 10 October that it is to purchase used Grob G115E aircraft from UK firm Babcock International.

The contract, valued at EUR6.6 million (USD7.4 million), will see the Finnish Defence Forces procure 28 aircraft from the company, as well as training necessary to induct them into the country's inventory. Deliveries are scheduled to take place between 2016 and 2017.

The aircraft are set to be modernised after being received by the Finnish government, which will cover the aircraft's navigation systems, cockpit displays, and communication equipment.

Elementary and basic flight training is currently provided by Patria Aviation, a subsidiary of Finnish firm Patria. Training is currently carried out on the Valmet L-70 Vinka, which was first acquired by the Finnish Air Force in 1980. Under the current training scheme, Patria has established centralised flight training facilities at Tikkakoski, with pilots graduating from the L-70 onto BAE Systems Hawk aircraft at Tikkakoski.

According to the Finnish MoD, the current training and maintenance service agreement with Patria Aviation is under negotiation.

Babcock currently operates the Grob G115E for the UK MoD's Light Aircraft Flying Task programme, which covers basic and elementary flight training for the Royal Navy and British Army, and air experience flying for University Air Squadrons and Air Cadets. The company provides the aircraft, instructors, logistical support, fleet management, and aircraft maintenance.

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