Start Of New Generation Of Finnish Air Power

Government and military leaders from the U.S. and Finland celebrated the rollout of the first F-35A Lightning II for the Finnish Air Force, in a ceremony at Lockheed Martin’s F-35 production facility in Fort Worth, Texas. This event starts a new generation of Finnish air power and reinforces the strategic trans-Atlantic NATO alliance and relations between the countries.

The F-35 unites 20 allied nations that have selected the aircraft including 13 in Europe, and is operating in 16 air forces globally. With the interoperability of their new F-35s, Finland will strengthen integration between the branches of the Finnish Defence Forces that connect across domains for enhanced situational awareness for Finland and other NATO allies.

Antti Häkkänen, Finland's Minister of Defence said, "Finland is a NATO member and committed to act as a dependable defence provider in the northern flank. Finland is investing heavily in national industrial capabilities through industrial participation, we believe that our investment and highly capable defence industry can benefit the F-35 program not just locally but also at a more global level."

Maj. Gen. Timo Herranen, Commander of the Finnish Air Force said, "In the Finnish operational environment, survivability, lethality and cooperation are imperative. The F-35 will deliver unmatched capability in all those areas, and it will bring a whole new level of capability for our defence. We are looking forward to the start of F-35 operations next year."

Greg Ulmer, President of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics said, "The F-35 continues to demonstrate its ability to deter threats and prevail in combat, and it will give the Finnish Air Force a decisive edge in protecting the nation and bolstering allied partnership in the Nordic region and beyond. The F-35 program underpins a powerful network of integrated deterrence, advancing allied cooperation, industrial strength and shared security."

Finland’s program includes 64 F-35As, which will be the largest F-35 fleet in northern Europe. The first aircraft will be delivered to the Finnish Air Force in early 2026 and will be ferried to Ebbing Air Force Base in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

FMI:  www.lockheedmartin.com/