Finland’s first F-35A fighter jet has officially rolled off the Lockheed Martin assembly line, marking a new chapter in the modernization of Finland’s air defense.
The US manufacturer Lockheed Martin announced on Wednesday, October 29, the completion of assembly of the first F-35A intended for the Finnish Air Force is determined. Images of the newly produced jet were released by the company’s European division.
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The decision to replace the F/A-18 Hornet fleet with the modern F-35A was made at the end of 2021, when Finland signed a contract to purchase 64 aircraft worth about 10 billion euros signed.
According to the Finnish Defense Forces The F-35 was chosen for its high combat capabilities, advanced sensor systems and long endurance. The aircraft is expected to remain in use at least until the 2060s.
On time delivery
According to the official schedule, the first aircraft was supposed to be completed in fall 2025 — a goal that has now been achieved. The second copy is scheduled to be assembled in the second half of 2026.
The training of the Finnish pilots is scheduled to begin this fall with the aim of… full operational readiness of the F-35A fleet by 2030 to reach.
Participation of local industry
The contract includes a comprehensive industrial cooperation with Finnish companies. Patria will components for the F135 engines and from 2030 onwards will take on tasks in the areas of maintenance, repair, overhaul and modernization of these engines.
In addition, Finland will be responsible for the Assembly of the front fuselage segment the F-35A – both for its own air force and for international customers of the program. Overall are 400 fuselage sections provided for under this Agreement.
Source and images: Lockheed Martin Europe | @LMEuropeNews. This content was created with the power of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
