Lockheed Martin has completed the final assembly of Finland’s first F-35A Lightning II, marking a significant milestone in the Nordic country’s next-generation fighter acquisition program.
The aircraft, serial JF-501, recently rolled out from Lockheed’s Fort Worth, Texas production line, seen in photos covered in a green primer coating prior to receiving the F-35’s radar-absorbent gray finish.
An official rollout ceremony is planned for mid-December, after which the first eight F-35As will be deployed to Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas for pilot and technician training. Future jets, starting from JF-509, will be delivered directly to Finland.
The Finnish Air Force plans to base its F-35 fleet at Rovaniemi’s Lapland Air Wing by 2026, followed by the Karelia Air Wing in Rissala by 2028.
Background and Procurement Details
Finland announced its decision to purchase 64 F-35A fighters in December 2021, selecting Lockheed Martin over competing bids from Boeing, Dassault, Saab, and Eurofighter partners. The $9.4 billion agreement, finalized in February 2022, includes aircraft, training, and support services.
Deliveries will span from 2026 to 2030, fully phasing out the aging F/A-18 Hornet fleet. The aircraft are expected to remain operational until at least the 2060s.
In addition, Finland is acquiring AGM-88G AARGM-ER anti-radiation missiles worth $500 million, synchronized with F-35 deliveries. To strengthen national defense industry participation, Patria will produce and maintain key components, ensuring domestic expertise and lifecycle support for the program.
