24 January 2004
Saab J35 Draken
The Saab J35 Draken entered service in 1960 in the Swedish Air Force. Ten years later the Finnish Air Force received first fleet of Drakens as the first export customer. Between 1970-1984 several batches of different Draken types were purchased and assembled by Valmet of Finland. They equipped no.11 and no.21 squadrons with the final Draken being phased out in 2000 with elaborate yellow ‘farewell’ paint scheme. They gave way to F-18 Hornets as did the MiG-21bis’ two years earlier. While designated as a fighter, the Draken could also carry bombs and rockets in addition to AIM-4 Falcons, Sidewinders and 30mm Aden cannon.