The construction of the assembly and maintenance facilities for the F-35 fighter engines in Linnavuori, Nokia, has progressed on schedule, and the topping-out ceremony of the construction project was held on Friday, 14 March.

The newbuilding project is part of the industrial cooperation of the F-35 fighter project. The assembly and maintenance hall, which will be completed in autumn 2025, will contribute to improving the security of supply of Finland’s future F-35 multi-role fighters.

– The service and maintenance capability of the F135 engines to be built in Linnavuori, Nokia, and the resulting expertise in Finland, will strengthen the military security of supply of the F-35 system. The build-up of maintenance capability in Finland will help to keep the engines of the Air Force’s F-35 fighters in working order in all circumstances,” says Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen.

Defence Properties Finland is responsible for the construction of the new premises. The multi-purpose facilities will be used by Patria, a strategic partner of the Finnish Defence Forces. For decades, Patria has been servicing and repairing the engines and components of several Finnish Defence Forces’ systems in Linnavuori.

The production facilities will first serve as assembly facilities for engines, and later they will be used to service engines of the new fighter type. Maintenance operations will continue at Nokia throughout the life cycle of the Finnish F-35 fleet.

The new assembly and service facilities will be implemented in accordance with the goals and safety requirements set by the F-35 operations and the American engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney.

The construction plans and the progress of construction have been reviewed regularly between the parties. For industrial cooperation, it has been ensured that the buildings and structures meet the requirements of engine manufacturing and maintenance. All inspections have been passed with good success.

Defence Properties Finland will be the developer of the infrastructure and properties required for the F-35 fighters, which will include not only industrial cooperation facilities, but also construction and modification work at all Air Force bases during this decade. The builders are regional and national construction companies.

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