Mikko is a retired Finnish Air Force F/A-18 pilot, having spent the majority of his career flying the Hornet and BAE Hawk. He retired at the end of 2020 after a distinguished career, during which he contributed to multiple programs involving F/A-18 weapons, avionics, and systems integration, including numerous OFP development efforts. Mikko’s leadership experience includes commanding the Finnish Air Force Detachment during the AGM-158A JASSM cruise missile integration into the F/A-18 Hornet, spending 1.5 years at China Lake, and launching the first Finnish Air Force JASSM missile.

After retiring, Mikko worked for SAAB on a fixed-term contract as a fighter domain specialist for the Finnish fighter evaluation, the “HX campaign,” in 2021/2022. He also contributed to the Finnish BAE Hawk fleet modernization and sustainment programs.

Mikko has accumulated approximately 3000 flight hours, including 1400 hours in the F/A-18 Hornet and 800 hours in the BAE Hawk. He holds an EASA CPL ME IR and FAA PPL. In addition to his career, Mikko participates in a 4-ship SAAB Safir display team during summer holidays. He has been a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots (SETP) since 2011.