Introducing the Commander of the Finnish Air Force

On 1 December 2024 Brigadier General Timo Herranen assumed the role of Commander of the Finnish Air Force.

In this interview, the new commander shares his views on key topics related to the Air Force, such as NATO and international cooperation, the progress of the F-35 program, and the importance of personnel and the reserve for the Finnish Air Force. Additionally, he provides insights into his career background and expectations for his term as Commander.

Photo: Finnish Air Force / Tuulia Kujanpää

"In Finland, we have many unparalleled strengths: our strong national defence will, a society-wide network of cooperation, a modern defence system, and, of course, Finnish resilience. Let’s protect and nurture these together!"

Current Topics for the Finnish Air Force

1. NATO Membership

How has NATO membership impacted the Air Force’s operational activities and readiness in Finland and abroad? What has been the experience of Finnish participation in NATO exercises, such as Nordic Response 24 in Norway or NATO air policing missions in Romania? Is NATO membership already visible in the daily activities of the Air Force?

Readiness, defence capability, and deterrence are constantly maintained as part of NATO. The cornerstone remains our preparedness, but close cooperation in exercises and operational activities enhances security. Nordic Response is essential for developing operations in the northern region, and we will continue this collaboration.

From the outset of membership, the Finnish Air Force has demonstrated its capability as an effective ally, managing its own defence while being ready to contribute to the collective defence of the entire NATO alliance. NATO is already an integral part of the Air Force’s day-to-day activities. For personnel, this is visible through training and exercises, while at headquarters, communication and planning with NATO’s Air Command (AIRCOM) are nearly daily activities.
 

The Finnish Air Force participated for the first time in NATO’s peacetime air defence mission during the summer of 2024. Photo: Finnish Air Force. Photo: Finnish Air Force

2. International Cooperation

How does international cooperation with partner nations enhance the Finnish Air Force’s expertise and strategic ability to respond to current security challenges?

NATO is a significant factor in enhancing security in the Nordic region. Defence still relies heavily on domestic capabilities, but with allies and the alliance, preventive deterrence and combat power are significantly greater than before. Access is available to capabilities we previously lacked, such as air-based intelligence and surveillance.

Many allies already operate F-35 aircraft, which have participated in our events and exercises, such as Ruska 2024, a joint fires exercise that included the Finnish Army and U.S. F-35s, as well as a road air base exercise held in Hosio. 

NATO’s development priorities currently align well with the Finnish Air Force’s goals, particularly in integrated air defence. There are several concrete NATO initiatives underway to improve response readiness. We have much to offer and also much to learn. For example, we are leaders in agile combat employment but have lessons to learn for example in the utilization of the space domain.
 

U.S. Air Force F-35 fighters took part in the Finnish Air Force’s Baana 24 exercise at Hosi in Ranua. Photo: Finnish Air Force / Ari Manninen.

3. Nordic Cooperation

How does the Nordic Air Power concept and cooperation with other Nordic countries improve the Finnish Air Force’s ability to respond to the evolving security situation in the Arctic and Baltic regions? What advantages, such as shared situational awareness and flexible base solutions, does this cooperation bring to the Finnish Air Force?

Developing northern air defence is a top priority for the coming term. Together, with over 200 fighters and integrated air defence, we provide significant strength for both national and NATO defence. This has a major impact on deterrence and defence along NATO’s northern flank.

The Baltic Sea, in its current state, is largely an internal NATO sea and a critical route for maritime traffic for both Finland and Russia. Northern strength and close cooperation within NATO create substantial security and stability for the region.

We are continuing to develop northern air defence in the spirit of the Declaration of Intent signed in 2022 and the resulting concept. Situational awareness in the region is already being shared, and next year we will enhance command and control capabilities for northern air defence through concrete actions. The goal is to ensure seamless, real-time cooperation in the planning and execution of air operations.

Another key area of development is cross-servicing, which allows for flexible support operations at another nation’s bases without significant reliance on our support forces. Both of these themes are already evident in our exercise activities, such as in November’s command and control exercise, which involved planners from Nordic and other allied nations. These operations will also be practiced in next year’s large-scale exercises, such as ACE 2025 and the Ruska exercise in the fall.

Next year, Finland will chair NORDEFCO, and the practical and combat-capability-enhancing development of northern operations fits well with this theme.

Finnish Hornets operated from Norway’s Andøya Air Base during the Nordic Response 24 exercise.

4. Strategic Priorities for the Air Force

What are the most critical areas of development for the Air Force over the next few years? How does the Air Force strategy support Finland’s security in a changing security environment?

The key development areas in the coming years are the introduction into service of the F-35 and its integration into the FINAF operational concept along with the David’s Sling air defence system, developing joint combat operations with the Army in areas such as firepower coordination, and enhancing Nordic air operation capabilities. All of these are closely tied to the improvement of data collection, analysis, and sharing practices using modern technologies and artificial intelligence.

On the administrative side, the key areas include improving the Air Force’s competitiveness in the job market and utilizing artificial intelligence in administrative tasks. I believe we must free up resources from routine tasks and redirect that capacity to more demanding, thought-intensive work.

5. F-35 Fighter Program

What is the status of the F-35 acquisition and integration? How will the new fleet transform the Air Force’s operations and capabilities?

The integration is progressing on a large scale as planned, moving toward achieving operational capability. The F-35 is in full production, the first airframe has been signed, and training for mechanics and pilots will begin next year. The recent agreement on AARGM-ER missiles significantly enhances our ability to operate in contested airspace. In practical terms, Finland’s F-35 operations will commence next year, although the first aircraft will arrive in Finland at the end of 2026. 

Base construction is in full swing, currently of course in Rovaniemi. We are closely collaborating with other F-35 operators to develop tactics and techniques to ensure the F-35 is seamlessly integrated into Finnish air operations alongside the Hornet fleet, which will remain in use until the end of the decade.”

The milestones for 2025 will include the start of training in the United States and the so-called F-35 rollout, where the Finnish Air Force will receive its first aircraft for training purposes. Infrastructure milestones for the bases will also make headlines.

The F-35 will be a significant driver of innovation in our air combat capability. Alongside the growing fleet of allied F-35s, we are entering a truly new era of warfare. I believe these capabilities will enable us to maintain air superiority more effectively in all situations. This is something that, for example, has not been achieved in Ukraine, contributing to the current situation there. Particularly the multi-role fighter’s ability to operate effectively in contested airspace, penetrate deeper, and detect and engage ground targets significantly improves the combat effectiveness of the entire defence system.

Illustration of Finland’s F-35, also known as the Joint Fighter. The image is a draft, and the final size and placement of markings will be determined as the painting scheme design progresses. Photo: Finnish Air Force.

6. Reserve and Personnel Training

How is the Air Force developing the skills of its personnel and reserve, particularly as the number of international operations increases?

In personnel development, I see three key areas: technological expertise, problem-solving skills and creative thinking, and a solid understanding of NATO and its practices. We must provide opportunities to develop these competencies through the Defence Forces’ extensive training courses, but I also encourage personnel to pursue self-initiated learning.

As the battlefield becomes increasingly technological, every combatant needs some understanding of technologies used in developing weapon systems and their capabilities and limitations in Finnish conditions, for example in the electromagnetic spectrum.

Finnish military doctrine has always been based on tactical freedom of action. We must not lose this advantage even as bureaucracy grows. While we have operated as a NATO partner for years, now with NATO’s development and after gaining access to NATO’s classified materials, these practices must be implemented in the field.

The reserve is crucial for the Air Force. The use of the reserve is continuously being developed and will become part of operations both domestically and abroad, even during peacetime. This will evolve in tandem with legislative changes. In the coming years, we will for example see reservists in Nordic air operations across Finland’s borders. We also aim to harness the unique expertise of reservists in operational development. Among our reservists, we have exceptional skills in areas such as coding and cybersecurity, which have not yet been fully utilized.

Lapland Air Command organized the voluntary OLKKA 22 exercise in Rovaniemi for its reservists in 2022. Tasks included post-strike reconnaissance, combat first aid, CBRN training, weapons training, and security operations. Photo: Finnish Air Force / Anne Torvinen.

7. Air Defence of Finnish Airspace

How does the Air Force ensure surveillance and safeguarding of Finland’s airspace? What new challenges, such as advancements in drone technology, are emerging?

One of our longstanding strengths is integrated air defence, where key systems, from fighters to ground-based air defence, can exchange encrypted real-time information. This allows us to use air defence assets effectively where they are most needed.

Currently, air policing of Finnish airspace is handled nationally, but we are exploring closer collaboration models within NATO, particularly in the Nordics.

The increasing variety of airborne systems, from extremely fast to very slow and with different radar signatures across all altitudes, poses technical challenges. For instance, we have a project underway to replace aging long-range surveillance radar systems by the end of the decade. Surveillance systems are also diverse, ranging from active to passive across all segments of the electromagnetic spectrum. Fusion and analysis of data from these sources will be crucial, with artificial intelligence playing a significant role. The importance of the space domain in all activities is also growing.

Drones have become a significant topic of discussion due to Russia’s war of aggression. The themes include a wide range of systems, mass deployment and production, and rapid development cycles.
    
While drone use is not a disruptive factor fundamentally changing the battlefield, it must be accounted for in both defence and our own operations. We have several ongoing projects addressing these issues in both the short and long term. A new aspect in surveillance and defensive counter air operations is cost efficiency. For instance, it does not make sense to shoot down mass-produced drones costing tens of thousands with million-dollar missiles.

The solution lies in a multi-layered system composed of various components. These challenges are also being addressed within NATO, allowing us to jointly develop solutions to many issues.

The Hanki 24 exercise was the Finnish Air Force’s main military exercise of 2024, focusing on training Air Force reservists. Photo: Finnish Air Force.

8. Adapting to Winter Conditions

The Hanki 24 exercise developed the Air Force’s readiness to operate in winter conditions. What specific challenges does Finland’s climate present to the Air Force, and how are these addressed?

Finland’s operating environment is demanding, which is why we must regularly train under challenging conditions. In winter, key challenges include heavy cloud cover, or low-lying clouds, icing conditions in the air and on the ground, deep snow during midwinter, and, of course, the cold itself.

We have decades of experience operating in these conditions, and our procedures are adapted accordingly. For instance, we use specialized equipment and systems for snow removal on runways in cooperation with Finavia, embodying the spirit of comprehensive national defence. This comprehensive approach and close collaboration are unique strengths we must maintain, even as many of our partners are driven by commercial interests.

In terms of adverse weather, the Finnish Air Force is practically the only one capable of unrestricted air operations in overcast conditions, regardless of lighting. These conditions also offer operational opportunities. For instance, thick cloud layers still limit some satellite reconnaissance and weapons systems. 

For our allies, these conditions are new, just as the 40-degree heat in Romania was for us.

9. Developing Air Warfare Training

How has training of conscripts and reservists evolved in the Air Force in recent years, and how is it being adapted to meet future needs?

Training for conscripts and the reserve is extremely important for the Finnish Air Force. Operations in times of crisis rely heavily on the reserve, even though aircraft can be launched in these situations with active personnel alone. The reserve’s importance is even more pronounced in modern warfare.

Conscription training has been actively developed since the late 2010s. Training programs have been updated, and new teaching methods have been introduced. Weapons simulations are used daily. During exercises, systems attached to assault rifles and vests enhance realism and improve feedback. However, despite simulations, basic soldier skills must be learned through hands-on practice.

Air Force barracks have been renovated, starting with Rissala, to meet functional requirements and provide healthy facilities for conscripts.

The development of conscription and reserve use aligns with legislative schedules. International aspects will feature more prominently in training both domestically and, for instance, in the Nordic countries.

Voluntary national defence is also a valuable addition to our training. Cooperation is close, and the benefits improve yearly. Training programs are continuously updated, and new operating models are adopted. The latest initiative involves supporting international flight detachments during domestic events.

Colonel Timo Herranen as Commander of Karelia Air Command, leading the JPH1/20 exercise in June 2020. Photo: Finnish Air Force.

10. Communication and Transparency with Citizens

What role does communication play in modern society and today’s political climate? What kind of communication builds public trust in the Air Force and its operations?

In today’s media environment, communication is an essential part of everything we do, and it is always important to consider the audience.

We don’t have the resources to maintain a broad information apparatus, and I believe that our approach—where actions speak for themselves and are communicated succinctly and professionally—suits us well. ‘Actions speak louder than words’ aptly describes this model. In my view, we have succeeded in this internationally as well. Our publications across different channels receive significant visibility, and the feedback we get is overwhelmingly positive.

Towards citizens, truthfulness, transparency, and timeliness are crucial, while recognizing that much of military operations involves classified information. Additionally, many issues involve security policy considerations, where the military’s role is strictly limited to operational perspectives.

Finland has an exceptionally high level of national defence will. We must maintain public trust in our operations, and communication plays a significant role in this.

The Commander’s Career Background

1. Beginnings of the Career

How did you end up in the Air Force, and what initially inspired your aviation and military career?

-    After high school, I was mathematically inclined and had a study place at the Helsinki University of Technology. However, as an active outdoor enthusiast, I felt the need for more practical work. My interest in the security field was sparked by scouting and sports hobbies, and I considered a career in the Border Guard or Defence Forces.

Flying wasn’t initially on my radar. By chance, I saw a newspaper advertisement for the Pilot Reserve Officer Course. Everything clicked, and I decided to apply. From the start, it felt like the right fit for me - and here I am.

2. Memorable Experiences in Operations and Exercises

What are your most memorable experiences from international operations and exercises?

My most impactful experience in international operations was my year of study in the United States. Gaining a deep understanding of new perspectives and culture has been invaluable throughout my career.

As for exercises, leading the Red Flag Alaska exercise in 2018 stands out. It was years in the making, and it was rewarding to see our personnel perform professionally in a challenging environment.

In Romania, we were part of NATO’s operational activities in a new environment, which was another unforgettable experience.

3. Leadership Challenges

How have the leadership challenges you have faced during your military career shaped your leadership style? What values do you consider important as a commander?

With experience, I have learned patience and the ability to listen to people, though there’s always room for improvement in these areas. In difficult situations, I’ve come to understand that mutual trust is essential—both in leading individuals and in leading groups. Additionally, I’ve learned that as a leader, you must be true to yourself, with all your strengths and weaknesses.

I value the courage to make decisions, including tough ones, as well as responsibility and fairness.

Colonel Timo Herranen at the Red Flag exercise in Alaska in 2018. Photo: Finnish Air Force / Joni Malkamäki.

4. Career Turning Points

Have there been moments in your career when a specific event or experience changed your perspective on the Air Force or air defence?

I’d say my perspective has broadened over the years as I’ve gained more experience. The key events that have influenced my views include my studies in the United States, Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, and my experiences in commanding positions at the flight, squadron, and wing level. Through these, I’ve gained a deep appreciation for the Air Force’s ability to adapt and develop operations over the long term.

With experience, I’ve also seen the foresight behind decisions made by my predecessors. For example, the Finnish Air Force’s early steps toward international cooperation in the early 2000s, the integration of air-to-ground capability into the Hornet fleet during its second lifecycle upgrade, and the development of centralized air operations capabilities through the establishment of the Air Operations Center. Without these, operating in the current situation would be significantly more challenging. As my career has progressed, I’ve also developed a deeper understanding of the importance of conscript training and the reserve force for the Air Force’s combat capability.

5. Priorities in Your New Role

What excites and challenges you the most in your new role as Commander, and what do you aim to achieve in the coming years?

The primary goal is to ensure that by 2028, the Air Force’s combat capabilities are at a level where we can operate effectively with both F-35 and Hornet fleets in coordination with the Army, Navy, and allied forces to defend the Nordic region. Achieving this requires extensive cooperation and the implementation of complex initiatives in a constantly evolving environment with limited resources, all while staying focused on what’s essential.

Another priority is improving administration by reducing bureaucracy and reallocating resources, including through the adoption of AI tools. Put simply, I want my subordinates to spend a significant portion of their time on the work they are actually paid to do.

The biggest challenge, in my view, is ensuring that as the scope of operations and responsibilities expands—due to development projects and NATO integration—we are able to maintain the right focus. I believe that with strong teamwork and open dialogue, we can achieve this.

6. Open Floor

What would you like to say to the people of Finland as you begin your tenure as Commander?

There is a lot of uncertainty in the world right now, and even negative developments are possible. However, we can influence the future through our actions. I believe that the Finnish Air Force, together with the Nordic countries and other allies, plays a crucial role in ensuring our security. We work tirelessly, day and night, to achieve this.

In Finland, we have many unparalleled strengths: our strong national defence will, a society-wide network of cooperation, a modern defence system, and, of course, Finnish resilience. Let’s protect and nurture these together!