Finland values its pilots very highly. This is partly based on the outstanding performance of Finnish fighter pilots during the war. Adverse circumstances and inadequate equipment, a modest fleet of aircraft and enormous mental and physical pressure against overwhelming odds demanded a true professional approach from the pilots. In fifty years, equipment and circumstances have changed beyond recognition. With acquisition of the Hornet, Finland is moving into a new era.

From Viima through Safir to Vinka

In 1980, the Air Force took receipt of its first Finnish-made early trainer for over 20 years, the last Viima biplane early trainer made by Valmet having been decommissioned in 1959. A total of 24 Viima aircraft were manufactured in the late 1930s.

Efforts were made to obtain a Finnish successor to Viima; however, the Tuuli trainer, which was developed to prototype stage, lost the tender to the Swedish Saab Safir.

As the Safir fleet began to age, design work on a new trainer was begun in 1970. The Air Force laid down the specifications, and the design work was undertaken by the aviation industry development department under the Ministry of Trade and Industry. The prototype Leko-70 flew for the first time in summer 1975.

Designing and producing the aircraft demanded considerable input from all those concerned. It was over 30 years since the Viima aircraft had been manufactured. The only work the Finnish aircraft industry had at the time was manufacturing Fouga Magister trainer jets on licence and assembling Draken fighters. However, the end result was a success. Named the Vinka, the new early trainer was of an internationally high standard in terms of both flying properties and equipment. The last planes of the series of 30 manufactured were delivered from the Kuorevesi plant of Valmet Oy in 1982.