ROVANIEMI, Finland – A Finnish Air Force F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet crashed near Rovaniemi airport in northern Finland on Wednesday. The pilot successfully ejected from the aircraft and has been taken to a hospital for examination, according to the Finnish military.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing smoke rising from the crash site, and public broadcaster Yle noted a strong smell of smoke in the area. Local police have cordoned off the area for investigation.
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The Air Force confirmed the crash in a statement, adding that no one on the ground was injured.
The Rovaniemi airport remains open and operational, according to the airport operator.
Finland currently operates 62 Hornet fighter jets, acquired between 1992 and 2000. In 2021, Finland made the decision to replace these aircraft with Lockheed Martin F-35 fighters.
