The VL Myrsky (Storm) was notable for being the only indigenous Finnish fighter to be used in combat during World War II. The Myrsky was one of many fighter designs built worldwide in the years leading up to the war and incorporated a number of modern features such as a steel tube fuselage complemented by wooden wings as well as dural and fabric coverings. Unfortunately, it encountered various teething problems which delayed its introduction to service due to the necessity of constructing various prototypes and pre-production examples to correct them. In service, the Myrsky saw action in the Continuation War against the USSR and later ended up switching sides against their former allies where they were used against retreating German forces over Lapland. Problems with its structural integrity constantly affected its reputation yet it remained in service until 1947.

First flight of the initial Myrsky prototype took place on 23 December 1941 but problems protracted its entry into combat squadros until 1944 as the Myrsky II, initially for tactical recon duties. An improved prototype named Pyörremyrsky (Whirlwind) was cancelled due to lack of funding and stocks of the planned DB 605 engines.