Finland's F-18s + NATO AWACS = A Game-Changer Nobody Saw Coming

Wes O'Donnell March 30, 2026
Video Thumbnail
Wes O'Donnell Logo

Wes O'Donnell

@wesodonnellx

About

Recovering journalist. Veteran. Juris Doctor. I don't report the news, but I do report my opinion. I am a veteran of both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force for a total of 10 years of service. If credentials matter, I have a BA in international relations, speak very bad Russian, and have a Master's in Business Administration. Oh, I just graduated law school at Western Michigan University where I spent every penny of my GI Bill entitlement. Debt-free J.D.! I write on Medium and run the "Eyes Only" newsletter on Substack where I talk about global security, military technology, and how much I hate authoritarians.

Video Description

NATO AWACS over Finland marks a major shift in air defense against Russia, and it’s more than just a routine flight. In this video, I break down what the E-3 Sentry actually does, why a Finnish weapons controller onboard matters, and how this tightens NATO’s detection, attribution, and response time in the High North. A Weapons Controller (WC) is an airborne battle management officer who directs fighter aircraft during missions using radar data from the AWACS. They provide "eyes on" control to guide interceptors, conduct air-to-air engagements, manage refueling, and ensure safe air traffic separation, serving as the critical link between command authorities and combat aircraft. I also walk through how AWACS changes wartime coordination, reduces fratricide risk, and helps NATO manage a mixed threat environment of aircraft, drones, and missiles. Bottom line: this is NATO wiring Finland directly into the air war machine. If you want clear, no-nonsense analysis on what actually shifts the battlefield, hit subscribe. Glory to Ukraine. Glory to the heroes. Crimea is Ukraine. tldr: A NATO AWACS aircraft recently completed its first operational mission over Finnish airspace, escorted by Finnish F-18 Hornets. This significant event highlights Finland's deep integration into NATO's military aviation operations and marks a crucial moment in the ongoing geopolitical conflict. We discuss the implications of this NATO mission and what it means for defense news in the region. Video Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nX9-_mBzQ9zvljEgdCWPS94hvga8AhgMfKM8Cuyhrhw/edit?usp=sharing #Finland #SWEDEN #Russia #aviation #NATO #Nordic #AirDefense #MilitaryStrategy #Geopolitics

You May Also Like

Upgrade Your Everyday

AI-recommended products based on this video

Loading...
Kasa Smart Outdoor Smart Plug by TP-Link (KP400) - Smart WiFi Outlet with 2 Sockets, IP64 Waterproof, Works with Alexa and Google Home, 2.4GHz WiFi Required, No Hub Required, Sunset & Sunrise Offset

Kasa Smart Outdoor Smart Plug by TP-Link (KP400) - Smart WiFi Outlet with 2 Sockets, IP64 Waterproof, Works with Alexa and Google Home, 2.4GHz WiFi Required, No Hub Required, Sunset & Sunrise Offset

(28,846)
$21.99$17.99
FREE delivery Wed, Aug 20 on your first order
1K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.4 Headphones in Ear with 4 ENC Noise Cancelling Mic, in Ear Earphones 40H, IP7 Waterproof, Bluetooth Ear Buds for Sports, Gym, Workout, USB C, White

Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.4 Headphones in Ear with 4 ENC Noise Cancelling Mic, in Ear Earphones 40H, IP7 Waterproof, Bluetooth Ear Buds for Sports, Gym, Workout, USB C, White

(98)
$29.99
FREE delivery Sat, Apr 25 on your first order
400+ bought in past month
Loading...
Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.4 Headphones in Ear with 4 ENC Noise Cancelling Mic, in Ear Earphones 40H, IP7 Waterproof, USB C, Bluetooth Ear Buds for Sports, Gym, Workout, Rose Pink

Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.4 Headphones in Ear with 4 ENC Noise Cancelling Mic, in Ear Earphones 40H, IP7 Waterproof, USB C, Bluetooth Ear Buds for Sports, Gym, Workout, Rose Pink

(98)
$29.99
FREE delivery Sat, Apr 25 on your first order
500+ bought in past month
Loading...
Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.4 Headphones in Ear with 4 ENC Noise Cancelling Mic, in Ear Earphones 40H, IP7 Waterproof, USB C, Bluetooth Ear Buds for Sports, Gym, Workout, Black

Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.4 Headphones in Ear with 4 ENC Noise Cancelling Mic, in Ear Earphones 40H, IP7 Waterproof, USB C, Bluetooth Ear Buds for Sports, Gym, Workout, Black

(98)
$29.99
FREE delivery Sat, Apr 25 on your first order
1K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Fvyao Sleep Earbuds, Mini Wireless Earbuds in Ear, Sleep Headphones Design for Side Sleeper, 24H Bass Stereo, Bluetooth 5.4, with ENC Noise Cancelling, IPX6 Waterproof Ear Buds for Android iOS

Fvyao Sleep Earbuds, Mini Wireless Earbuds in Ear, Sleep Headphones Design for Side Sleeper, 24H Bass Stereo, Bluetooth 5.4, with ENC Noise Cancelling, IPX6 Waterproof Ear Buds for Android iOS

(2)
$31.99
FREE delivery Thu, Apr 23 on your first order
Loading...
Brita Stainless Steel Premium Filtering Water Bottle, BPA-Free, Reusable, Insulated, Replaces 300 Plastic Water Bottles, Filter Lasts 2 Months or 40 Gallons, Includes 1 Filter, Carbon - 20 oz.

Brita Stainless Steel Premium Filtering Water Bottle, BPA-Free, Reusable, Insulated, Replaces 300 Plastic Water Bottles, Filter Lasts 2 Months or 40 Gallons, Includes 1 Filter, Carbon - 20 oz.

(2,652)
$81.37$76.36
FREE delivery Sep 29 - Oct 2
Loading...
Simple Modern Filtered Water Bottle | Insulated Stainless-Steel Carbon Filter Travel Water Bottles | Reusable for Clean Drinking Water On The Go | 24oz, Sea Glass Sage

Simple Modern Filtered Water Bottle | Insulated Stainless-Steel Carbon Filter Travel Water Bottles | Reusable for Clean Drinking Water On The Go | 24oz, Sea Glass Sage

(26)
$30.13
FREE delivery Tue, Sep 23 on your first order
Loading...
Motivaris Fitness Tracker Health Watch, 1.47" Step Counter with 24/7 Heart Rate Blood Oxygen Sleep Monitor, 3ATM Waterproof Smart Watch for Women Men, Pedometer Black

Motivaris Fitness Tracker Health Watch, 1.47" Step Counter with 24/7 Heart Rate Blood Oxygen Sleep Monitor, 3ATM Waterproof Smart Watch for Women Men, Pedometer Black

(51)
$49.99
FREE delivery Sat, Apr 25
Loading...
FITVII Health & Fitness Tracker (Answer/Make Calls), Smart Watch with 24/7 Heart Rate and Blood Pressure, Sleep Tracking Monitor, 120+ Sport Mode Activity Tracker

FITVII Health & Fitness Tracker (Answer/Make Calls), Smart Watch with 24/7 Heart Rate and Blood Pressure, Sleep Tracking Monitor, 120+ Sport Mode Activity Tracker

(198)
$59.99
FREE delivery Sun, Aug 10
100+ bought in past month
Loading...
AYATAHA AYATAHA Smart Watch for Kids, Smartwatch Fitness Tracker for Boys Girls, Children's Activity Watch 37 Sports Modes SMS Notification, HD Full Touchscreen IP67 Waterproof, Blue

AYATAHA AYATAHA Smart Watch for Kids, Smartwatch Fitness Tracker for Boys Girls, Children's Activity Watch 37 Sports Modes SMS Notification, HD Full Touchscreen IP67 Waterproof, Blue

(55)
$41.99
PrimeFREE delivery Sat, Jun 14
Loading...
Iaret Iaret Smart Watch for Women, 1.83" HD Fitness Tracker with 4 Bands, Answer/Make Calls, Heart Rate/Sleep/SpO2/Step Tracking, 100+ Sport Modes, Android/iPhone Compatible Gift (Rose Gold)

Iaret Iaret Smart Watch for Women, 1.83" HD Fitness Tracker with 4 Bands, Answer/Make Calls, Heart Rate/Sleep/SpO2/Step Tracking, 100+ Sport Modes, Android/iPhone Compatible Gift (Rose Gold)

(42)
$59.99
FREE delivery Thu, Jun 19
100+ bought in past month
Loading...
Hand Warmers 2 Pack, 14000mAh Rechargeable Hand Warmers, Electric Hand Warmer Reusable, Portable Power Bank USB Hand Warmers 4 Levels 8 Heating, Gifts for Raynauds Ski Golf Camping

Hand Warmers 2 Pack, 14000mAh Rechargeable Hand Warmers, Electric Hand Warmer Reusable, Portable Power Bank USB Hand Warmers 4 Levels 8 Heating, Gifts for Raynauds Ski Golf Camping

(683)
$74.08$59.47
FREE delivery Jun 13 - 18
Loading...
Hand Warmers Rechargeable, 10000mAh Electric Heated Gloves Power Bank Portable Graphene Handwarmers Pouch with 3 Levels & Double-Sided Heating for Hunting Camping Golf Xmas Gifts for Women Men Kids

Hand Warmers Rechargeable, 10000mAh Electric Heated Gloves Power Bank Portable Graphene Handwarmers Pouch with 3 Levels & Double-Sided Heating for Hunting Camping Golf Xmas Gifts for Women Men Kids

(651)
$44.99
PrimeFREE delivery Sun, Jun 15
Loading...
2Pack Rechargeable Hand Warmer, 8000mAh Electric Hand Warmer Power Bank, Portable USB-C Hand Warmer for Pocket, Reusable Hand Warmer Up to 8 hrs Each, Warm Gift for Men Women, for Hunting, Camping
Amazon's Choice

2Pack Rechargeable Hand Warmer, 8000mAh Electric Hand Warmer Power Bank, Portable USB-C Hand Warmer for Pocket, Reusable Hand Warmer Up to 8 hrs Each, Warm Gift for Men Women, for Hunting, Camping

(1,128)
$15.99
FREE delivery Sat, Jun 14 on your first order
Loading...
GTOCE Portable Charger,40000mAh Power Bank with 22.5W Fast Charging LED Digital Display Battery Pack with 6 Outputs 2 Inputs, Type C Powerbank Portable Charger for iPhone 16 pro Samsung AirPods,Black

GTOCE Portable Charger,40000mAh Power Bank with 22.5W Fast Charging LED Digital Display Battery Pack with 6 Outputs 2 Inputs, Type C Powerbank Portable Charger for iPhone 16 pro Samsung AirPods,Black

(334)
$42.99
FREE delivery Thu, Oct 16
1K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Monster Sleep Ear200, Wireless in-Ear Headphones, Bluetooth 6.0 Sleep Headphones, with ANC Active Noise Cancellation Designed for Side Sleepers, 30 Hours of bass Stereo Sound.

Monster Sleep Ear200, Wireless in-Ear Headphones, Bluetooth 6.0 Sleep Headphones, with ANC Active Noise Cancellation Designed for Side Sleepers, 30 Hours of bass Stereo Sound.

(10)
$39.99
FREE delivery Tue, Mar 24
Loading...
Fvyao Sleep Earbuds, Mini Wireless Earbuds in Ear, Sleep Headphones Design for Side Sleeper, 24H Bass Stereo, Bluetooth 5.4, with ENC Noise Cancelling, IPX6 Waterproof Ear Buds for Android iOS

Fvyao Sleep Earbuds, Mini Wireless Earbuds in Ear, Sleep Headphones Design for Side Sleeper, 24H Bass Stereo, Bluetooth 5.4, with ENC Noise Cancelling, IPX6 Waterproof Ear Buds for Android iOS

(2)
$31.99
FREE delivery Thu, Apr 23 on your first order
Loading...
Monster Sleep Ear100 Ear Buds, Sleep Earbuds with Stereo Sound, Design for Side Sleeper, 32H Playtime, Bluetooth 6.0, ENC Noise Cancelling, IPX6 Waterproof Mini Headphones, White

Monster Sleep Ear100 Ear Buds, Sleep Earbuds with Stereo Sound, Design for Side Sleeper, 32H Playtime, Bluetooth 6.0, ENC Noise Cancelling, IPX6 Waterproof Mini Headphones, White

(4)
$39.99
FREE delivery Mon, Mar 2
Loading...
Monster Sleep Ear100 Ear Buds, Sleep Earbuds with Stereo Sound, Design for Side Sleeper, 32H Playtime, Bluetooth 6.0, ENC Noise Cancelling, IPX6 Waterproof Mini Headphones, Black

Monster Sleep Ear100 Ear Buds, Sleep Earbuds with Stereo Sound, Design for Side Sleeper, 32H Playtime, Bluetooth 6.0, ENC Noise Cancelling, IPX6 Waterproof Mini Headphones, Black

(15)
$39.99
FREE delivery Mon, Feb 23
Loading...
Hydroponics Growing System Indoor Garden - Herb Garden with Grow Light, 15 Pods Stainless Steel Indoor Garden Kit, Auto Timer, Gardening Gift for All Ages

Hydroponics Growing System Indoor Garden - Herb Garden with Grow Light, 15 Pods Stainless Steel Indoor Garden Kit, Auto Timer, Gardening Gift for All Ages

(24)
$206.57$200.61
FREE delivery Jun 13 - 17
Loading...
Umbra Triflora Hanging Planter for Window, Indoor Herb Garden, Set of 5, White/Black

Umbra Triflora Hanging Planter for Window, Indoor Herb Garden, Set of 5, White/Black

(7,808)
$71.52
PrimeFREE delivery Sat, Jun 14
Loading...
Large Hydroponics Growing System 14 Pods, Indoor Herb Garden with LED Grow Light, 5L Water Tank, Hydroponic Grow Kit with 3 Auto-Timers, Rotatable Light Panel and Child Lock for Home School Gardening

Large Hydroponics Growing System 14 Pods, Indoor Herb Garden with LED Grow Light, 5L Water Tank, Hydroponic Grow Kit with 3 Auto-Timers, Rotatable Light Panel and Child Lock for Home School Gardening

(119)
$167.81
FREE delivery Jun 16 - 20
Loading...
Hanging Planter Hanging Plant Holder, 6 Inch 4 Indoor Plant Pots, Wall/Window Plant Hanger Indoor Herb Garden

Hanging Planter Hanging Plant Holder, 6 Inch 4 Indoor Plant Pots, Wall/Window Plant Hanger Indoor Herb Garden

(269)
$35.99$28.90
PrimeFREE delivery Sat, Jun 14
Loading...
slopehill Multi Hair Stylers & Hair Straightener - 2 in 1 Wet to Dry Air Straightener and Hair Dryer Combo with High Speed Air + Rapid Heat-Up + Customizable Temperature(Pink)

slopehill Multi Hair Stylers & Hair Straightener - 2 in 1 Wet to Dry Air Straightener and Hair Dryer Combo with High Speed Air + Rapid Heat-Up + Customizable Temperature(Pink)

(177)
$139.99
Prime
Loading...
Hi.FANCY Portable Laptop Stand with Dual Cooling Fans for 14-17inch Laptops, Grey, 23.5 x 25.9 x 0.95cm

Hi.FANCY Portable Laptop Stand with Dual Cooling Fans for 14-17inch Laptops, Grey, 23.5 x 25.9 x 0.95cm

(0)
$36.99
FREE delivery Aug 18 - 28
Loading...
Laptop Stand for Desk, Adjustable Laptop Riser ABS+Silicone Foldable Portable Laptop Holder, Ventilated Cooling Notebook Stand for 10-15.6” Laptops,Tablet-Black

Laptop Stand for Desk, Adjustable Laptop Riser ABS+Silicone Foldable Portable Laptop Holder, Ventilated Cooling Notebook Stand for 10-15.6” Laptops,Tablet-Black

(11,679)
$14.99
FREE delivery Sat, Jun 14 on your first order
500+ bought in past month
Loading...
JETech 5 in 1 Case for Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G with 2-Pack Each Tempered Glass Screen Protector and Camera Lens Protector, Non-Yellowing Shockproof Bumper Phone Cover (Clear)

JETech 5 in 1 Case for Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G with 2-Pack Each Tempered Glass Screen Protector and Camera Lens Protector, Non-Yellowing Shockproof Bumper Phone Cover (Clear)

(197)
$15.99
FREE delivery Sat, Jun 14 on your first order
100+ bought in past month
Loading...
TAURI for iPhone 17 Pro Max Case 6.9" with 1-Pack Screen Protector, Camera Lens Full Protection, Military-Grade Protection, Shockproof Transparent Back Bumper Phone Cover - Clear Global Recycled Standard

TAURI for iPhone 17 Pro Max Case 6.9" with 1-Pack Screen Protector, Camera Lens Full Protection, Military-Grade Protection, Shockproof Transparent Back Bumper Phone Cover - Clear Global Recycled Standard

(0)
$10.76
FREE delivery Thu, Oct 16 on your first order
2K+ bought in past month
Loading...
TAURI for iPhone 17 Pro Case 6.3" with 1-Pack Screen Protector, Camera Lens Full Protection, Military-Grade Protection, Shockproof Transparent Back Bumper Phone Cover - Clear Global Recycled Standard
Best Seller

TAURI for iPhone 17 Pro Case 6.3" with 1-Pack Screen Protector, Camera Lens Full Protection, Military-Grade Protection, Shockproof Transparent Back Bumper Phone Cover - Clear Global Recycled Standard

(61,696)
$10.76
Prime
2K+ bought in past month
Loading...
JOINPAYA 1Set Rechargeable Hand Warmer Hand Heater for Winter Heating Levels Compact

JOINPAYA 1Set Rechargeable Hand Warmer Hand Heater for Winter Heating Levels Compact

(0)
$9.29
FREE delivery Jun 20 - Jul 4
Loading...
Shakven Rechargeable Hand Warmer | Cute Comfortable Portable Hand Warmers,Ergonomic Adjustable Energy-Efficient Small Heater for Travel, Outdoor, Winter

Shakven Rechargeable Hand Warmer | Cute Comfortable Portable Hand Warmers,Ergonomic Adjustable Energy-Efficient Small Heater for Travel, Outdoor, Winter

(0)
$26.93
FREE delivery Jun 19 - Jul 2
Loading...
OCOOPA IP45 Waterproof Hand Warmer Rechargeable, Up to 15hrs Heat,10000mAh Durable Quick Charge Electric Hand Heater, PD Compatible, 3 Levels for Outdoors, Heavy Duty, H01-PD PRO

OCOOPA IP45 Waterproof Hand Warmer Rechargeable, Up to 15hrs Heat,10000mAh Durable Quick Charge Electric Hand Heater, PD Compatible, 3 Levels for Outdoors, Heavy Duty, H01-PD PRO

(50)
$39.99
PrimeFREE delivery Sat, Jun 14
Loading...
OCOOPA IP45 Waterproof Hand Warmer Rechargeable, Up to 15hrs Heat,10000mAh Durable Quick Charge Electric Hand Heater, PD Compatible, 3 Levels for Outdoors, Heavy Duty, H01-PD PRO

OCOOPA IP45 Waterproof Hand Warmer Rechargeable, Up to 15hrs Heat,10000mAh Durable Quick Charge Electric Hand Heater, PD Compatible, 3 Levels for Outdoors, Heavy Duty, H01-PD PRO

(649)
$39.99
PrimeFREE delivery Sat, Jun 14