Finland has reached a significant milestone in its defense modernization efforts with the completion of the final assembly of its first F-35A Lightning II aircraft, designated as JF-501. This momentous event took place at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Fort Worth, Texas, where the new fighter jet was revealed in a mint-green primer coating, before it undergoes final painting in the F-35’s iconic low-observable, radar-absorbent medium gray color scheme.
Scheduled for an official unveiling in mid-December, the F-35A will soon become an integral part of Finland’s aerial capabilities. Following the unveiling, the initial batch of eight F-35As will be stationed at the Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, Arkansas. This location will serve as a training ground for Finnish Air Force pilots and personnel, who will engage in practical training to familiarize themselves with the advanced capabilities of the fighter.
As the production line progresses, aircraft designated JF-509 and onward will be shipped directly to Finland. The Finnish Air Force, known as Ilmavoimat, plans to operate its F-35A fleet from two primary bases. By 2026, the Lapland Air Wing in Rovaniemi is expected to be fully operational with these advanced jets, and by 2028, the Karelia Air Wing at Rissala Air Base will join in hosting the F-35s.
To support this strategic upgrade, Karelia Air Wing is currently constructing essential infrastructure, including protective, maintenance, training, and storage facilities. These developments will ensure the Air Wing is well-prepared to receive its first F-35 fighter aircraft as scheduled in 2028.
The acquisition of the F-35A was a critical decision made by the Finnish government in December 2021, when it opted for Lockheed Martin over competing bids from Boeing, Dassault of France, Saab of Sweden, and the Eurofighter consortium. A massive $9.4 billion deal was formalized in February 2022, which encompasses a total of 64 F-35A aircraft along with related support services and systems.
Deliveries for the aircraft are expected to commence between 2026 and 2030, at which point they will replace Finland’s aging fleet of F/A-18 Hornets, with the F-35s projected to remain in active service until the 2060s. Additionally, Finland has procured up to 150 AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles-Extended Range (AARGM-ER) for about $500 million, aligning their delivery with the F-35A deployment timeline.
In a move to bolster its domestic defense capabilities, Finland has also engaged its local defense industry in the F-35 initiative, with Patria selected to manufacture and maintain key components of the aircraft. This collaboration is expected to enhance local expertise and provide ongoing support for the F-35 fleet.
Finland’s embrace of the F-35A underscores a strategic pivot towards advanced combat capabilities aimed at strengthening its national defense in an evolving security landscape.
