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The new generation of air force pilots must obviously receive thorough training. Future pilots in the Belgian Air Force complete their advanced flight training in the United States with modernized T-38s, the Finnish Air Force uses the well-known BAe Systems Hawk for this.

The Finnish Air Force's training academy is located at Tikkakoski, where student pilots undertake both basic and advanced flight training. Some instructors at this base are also part of the famous Finnish demonstration team “Midnight Hawks”. Equipped with four BAe Systems Hawks, this team performs precise aerobatics in close formation, as well as breath-taking crossovers in the second part of the display, beautifully accentuated with powerful smoke pods slung under the wings of their Hawks. The pilots of the team are not full-time display pilots, but combine their training flights for the team and their airshow duties with their regular instructor squadron duties, where they prepare future pilots to become part of the high-performing Finnish Air Force, the newest member of NATO.

The name Midnight Hawks originated in 1997, although the Finnish Air Force has a rich history in demonstration teams. The Midnight Hawks take their name from the tradition of flying a demonstration at midnight on Midsummer's Eve, when the sun does not set over their original home base at Kauhava, north of the Arctic Circle. For years this was the only chance to see the team in action, until the Finnish Air Force decided to go public with this stylish routine more often. Still, this is the first time that the team will perform in Belgium!

Don't miss the premiere of this wonderful team and visit the Belgian Air Force Days on 9 & 10 September in Kleine-Brogel. Join the new generation!