Jussi ‘Miyagi’ Halmetoja

Operations Advisor – Air Domain Saab Aeronautics

Jussi Halmetoja joined the Swedish Air Force (SwAF) in 1995 after conscript military service in the Swedish Army Rangers. He completed over 24 years in the Air Force fighter branch, where he amassed more than 2300 military flying hours in more than 20 different aircraft types including most westernized fighters of today. The majority of his flying experience was spent in various roles and mission types on the Viggen and the Gripen fighters.

Jussi served as a weapons instructor at the Gripen Operational Test & Evaluation Unit where he was deeply involved in weapon and sensor integration during the fielding of Gripen C/D in the Swedish AF.

In 2007 he transferred to the Gripen Flight Test Centre at the Swedish Defence Material Administration (FMV), during which time he enjoyed training at U.S. National Test Pilot School, Mojave California and the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, Patuxent River, Maryland.

Following his test tour Jussi was assigned to the Meteor International Joint Programme Office, UK MOD as Swedish representative, working closely on requirements, acceptance and export related matters. On his return, he served as the Gripen E requirements manager as well as appointed senior national representative for all Gripen air-to-air missile programmes.

Post-retirement from the SwAF in 2019, Jussi joined Saab Aeronautics as Operations Advisor – Air Domain. He is actively supporting Gripen E development, marketing & sales campaigns and future programmes activities.

In his freetime, Jussi enjoys active family life, wildlife and fishing. During the winter months, he practices martial arts, various team sports and pocket billiards.