LtCol Korteoja, Finnish Air Force, Retired, is the Chief Academic Officer at ITPS Canada, and an experienced flight test professional and military aviation leader with nearly three decades of service in the Finnish Air Force. Commissioned in September 1997, he focused throughout his career on the development of new operational capabilities, with particular emphasis on fighter aircraft upgrades, weapons integration, and advanced flight test programs.

In his most recent role, LtCol Korteoja managed Finland’s F-35 Program at AFCOMFIN, supporting the introduction of the F-35 into operational service. His responsibilities included overseeing the development, production, and sustainment of the aircraft to meet the operational requirements of the Finnish Defence Forces, with comprehensive management of cost, schedule, and performance across multiple program areas. The F-35 Program follows the HX Fighter Competition and will replace Finland’s F/A-18C/D Hornet fleet by the end of 2030.

Previously, LtCol Korteoja served as Chief Flight Test Engineer for the Finland HX Fighter Competition, where he developed the military capability evaluation model and led assessments related to technological readiness and future growth potential. He also served as Chief Flight Test Engineer at Satakunta Air Command, Air Combat Center, managing developmental test and evaluation projects in strike aircraft testing, weapons integration, and precision fires.

LtCol Korteoja began his military education in 1986 at the Finnish Army Reserve Officer School, graduating as an Airborne Ranger Team Lead. Before joining the Finnish Air Force, he served as an Army Reservist in Special Operations Forces while pursuing a career as a research scientist in Finnish academia. He has flown fast jets including the MiG-21UM, Saab J35 Draken, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F/A-18C/D Hornet, and Eurofighter Typhoon, with approximately 1,000 fast jet flight hours. He holds a doctorate in Computational Science and Physics from Helsinki University of Technology and is a distinguished graduate of the United States Naval Test Pilot School.