The Lapland Air Command (Finnish: Lapin lennosto, abbrevated LapLsto), also known as the Lapland Wing is the peace-time Finnish Air Force unit, responsible for the protection of the airspace of northern Finland. Its headquarters is located at the airport of Rovaniemi.

The Lapland Wing was founded in 1973, when the Häme Wing was moved to Rovaniemi. It was oficcially renamed into the "Lapland Wing" on December 6, 1974. It was equipped with Saab Draken fighters. The wing was founded due to the increased importance of the aispace in Cold War Europe. The Soviet Navy had large installations on the Kola peninsula, while NATO had a large number of aircraft in northern Norway. Both sides held often large wargames nearby.

In the early 2000s, the wing was equipped with F-18 Hornet fighters, the first were received in January 1999, and operative readiness was obtained in 2000. At the same time, all Drakens were retired.

The Wing's main duty is to guard and defend the air space, as well as to support the land forces. The wing trains conscripts for aerial surveillance, and for general service and support for the fighter flights. The Lapland Air Defence Regiment is also located at at the base.

The 11th Fighter Squadron is the operational unit of the Lapland Air Command.

Organization

Headquarters flight1st Flight:Fighter flight, equipped with F-18C/Ds and also trains mechanics2nd Flight:Fighter flight, equipped with F-18C/Ds and trains pilots4th Flight:Liaison flight, equipped with Valmet Vinka, PA-31-350 Chieftain, Valmet L-90TP Redigo aircraft

External links

• Lapland Air Command