Originally Posted by
Beamr
Fresh off the local press: the Finnish Defence Forces will recommend the F35 to the MoD to be the next fast jet for the Finnish Air Force.
The recommendation is based on capability, long life span beyond 2060, counter purchases and *dramaric drumming here*... the costs of purchase and use.
To recount: up to 64 airframes with price cap of 10 billion euros and maximum annual operating costs of 250 million euros.
Whats next? The recommendation is presented by MoD to the Government, which has the final word on the matter. However, I would be amazed if the politicians would walk over the pros involved in the process for nearly a decade.
Once the government has stamped the decision, the first one to know is the government of the selling country, ie. U.S. government, and then made public. Afterwards there will be more info on the evaluation process and how different vendors coped.
Short version: based on news today the FDF recommends the F35, final decision before christmas.