The first F-35A fighter destined for Finland has officially rolled off the Lockheed Martin assembly line, marking a new chapter in the modernization of the Nordic country’s air defense.
The American manufacturer Lockheed Martin announced this Wednesday (29) the completion of the assembly of the first F-35A fighter jet destined for the Finnish Air Force. Images of the newly manufactured jet were released by the company’s European division.
The decision to replace the F/A-18 Hornet fighter fleet with the modern F-35A was taken at the end of 2021, when Finland signed a contract to acquire 64 aircraftvalued at approximately 10 billion euros.
According to Finnish Defense Forcesthe F-35 was chosen for its high combat capabilities, advanced sensor systems and long useful life, with operation expected until at least the 2060s.
Delivery on schedule
According to the official schedule, the first fighter should be produced in the fall of 2025 — which has just been confirmed. The second example should be assembled in the second half of 2026.
Finnish pilot training is scheduled to begin later this fall, with the F-35A fleet expected to reach full operational readiness by 2030.
Local industry participation
The contract includes a broad industrial cooperation with Finnish companies. THE Patria will manufacture components for the engines F135 and, from 2030, it will take on maintenance, repair, overhaul and modernization tasks for these thrusters.
Furthermore, Finland will be responsible for fuselage front section assembly of F-35As both for its own air force and for the program’s international customers. In total, it is planned 400 fuselage sets to be produced under this agreement.
Source and images: Lockheed Martin Europe | @LMEuropeNews. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
