Chief Of The Air Staff Supports Typhoon Display Team In Helsinki

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston, has travelled to Finland for defence engagement meetings with industry partners and to support the RAF Typhoon Display Team.

He was joined by the Minister for Defence Procurement, Jeremy Quin MP.

The RAF is a regular attendee at the Finnish Air shows which are run by the Aeroclub of Finland and change location each year. 

Last year's show was held in Western Finland and headlined by the Red Arrows. 

While in Helsinki, the Chief of the Air Staff met with his Finnish counterpart, Major General Pasi Jokinen for a day of bilateral meetings and industry talks.

He said: "The Eurofighter is the largest and most successful European defence programme in history, bringing the might of German, Italian, Spanish and UK aerospace industries and government together. 

"With more than 550 aircraft already in service, Eurofighter is the backbone of European air defence now, and will be so for many decades to come. 

"Eurofighter is used by Air Forces in Europe and around the world for our most demanding missions.

"As I speak, we have Eurofighter aircraft and their crews ready to launch in minutes to protect the United Kingdom and Europe."

Following the Solo Typhoon display, a 4-ship of both RAF and German Air Force Eurofighters conducted a flypast of the event.

Typhoon Display Pilot, Flight Lieutenant Sanity, had been taking part: "It is always a great privilege to demonstrate the capability of the RAF Typhoon and as a team, we are incredibly grateful for the warm welcome we have received here in Helsinki.

"It is also great to represent the UK overseas again and to engage with the other display teams."

Cover image: The Typhoon display team flying at Helsinki Airshow (Picture: RC-Pro).