Finland has taken delivery of its first two F-35A aircraft on home soil, opening a new chapter in the Finnish Defence Forces’ air capability, according to Lockheed Martin.
Ceremony marks the milestone
The Finnish Air Force hosted an arrival ceremony attended by senior government and military leaders, US and allied representatives, and industry partners. Lockheed Martin also took part. Speakers highlighted Finland’s growing role in security and deterrence across the Nordic region, Europe and NATO.
Major General Timo Herranen, Commander of the Finnish Air Force, said the F-35 suits Finland’s security environment. He described a fifth-generation aircraft that sees farther without being seen, shares information faster, strikes accurately and survives longer as “a requirement” rather than a luxury. Herranen added that pilots can complete a mission and return to fly the next sortie.
OJ Sanchez, President of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, said the aircraft will strengthen Finland’s ability to deter aggression and defend its sovereignty. He called the F-35 a connected capability suited to an evolving threat picture.
Industrial role grows
Finland also contributes to the programme directly. Earlier this year, Patria became the first company besides Lockheed Martin to produce the F-35 forward fuselage.
Across the programme, more than 2,100 suppliers in over a dozen countries support the F-35. Twenty allied nations have chosen the jet, 13 of them in Europe. European plants build 25% of each aircraft by value and now manufacture all major components.
Training continues in the US
Finland has now received 10 of its 64 F-35A aircraft. Eight remain temporarily at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas, where Finnish pilots and maintainers are training ahead of the fleet’s wider introduction into service.
Learn more on Lockheed Martin’s website
