The Finnish Air Force has retired the first of three 1982-built Learjet 35A(S) aircraft used for VIP and cargo transport, as well as a range of special missions, marking the beginning of the type's phase-out.
The retired jet, registered as LJ-1 (msn 35A-430), remained in service until mid-May. On May 27, the aircraft was transferred to the Finnish Air Force Academy at Jyväskylä, where it will serve as a training platform for air technical service conscripts and professional personnel.
Two Learjet 35A(S) aircraft, LJ-2 (msn 35A-451) and LJ-3 (msn 35A-470), remain active. Decisions regarding their future will be made closer to retirement.
The Learjet 35A(S) fleet has been employed for VIP and cargo transport, alongside special missions such as aerial photography, reconnaissance, and maritime surveillance. Each aircraft is configured to carry up to five passengers and a flight engineer. In 2018, all three jets underwent upgrades that extended operational life.
Meanwhile, the Learjet 35A(S) JETX replacement programme is nearing completion, with the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command expected to announce a final decision in June. Embraer Executive Jets, Pilatus Aircraft, and Textron Aviation remain in contention after Bombardier Business Aircraft exited the tender. Finnish Air Force personnel conducted evaluation flights with candidate aircraft during 2025 and 2026.
The programme calls for the acquisition of three new light or midsize twin-engine business jets capable of fully replacing current Learjet capabilities. The Finnish Defence Forces concluded that turboprop aircraft would not meet operational requirements.
