Lockheed Martin has completed the assembly of the first of 64 new F-35A stealth fighters for the Finnish Air Force

Lockheed Martin has completed the final assembly of the first of 64 F-35A stealth fighters destined for the Finnish Air Force, marking a key milestone in the HX Program, through which the country will replace its current F/A-18 Hornet fleet.

Exactly one year ago today (October 29, 2024), the production of the first F-35A aircraft began, an event commemorated during an official visit by Finnish officials to the U.S. company’s manufacturing plant in Fort Worth, Texas.

The manufacturing process began in late 2023 and is progressing according to schedule. During the visit, representatives from Finland’s Ministry of Defence and the Finnish Defence Forces reviewed the progress of the first aircraft, provisionally identified as “JF-501,” which is scheduled for delivery in the fall of 2025. On that occasion, participants signed one of the aircraft’s front fuselage sections in recognition of the joint effort between Lockheed Martin personnel and Finnish authorities.

The Finnish Ministry of Defence announced that the aircraft will be delivered in the TR-3 configuration, corresponding to production lots 17 through 22. The first eight fighters will remain in the United States, at the Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas, for the initial training of Finnish pilots and technical personnel.

In parallel, Patria officially inaugurated its new engine center in Linnavuori, Nokia, dedicated to assembling and maintaining the F135 engines that will power the Finnish F-35As. The facility, built by Defence Properties Finland, was completed on schedule and meets the F-35 program’s security standards as well as those of engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney.

As a strategic partner of the Finnish Defence Forces, Patria will assume responsibility for the assembly, maintenance, and servicing of the F135 engines. Initially, the facilities will function as an assembly center and later focus on maintenance and modernization throughout the fleet’s lifecycle. The first aircraft are expected to arrive at Rovaniemi Air Base by late 2026.

“The purpose of industrial participation led by Finland’s Ministry of Defence is to ensure domestic supply while also creating jobs. The production of F-35 components in Linnavuori is a significant and concrete step in defense and security cooperation between Finland and the United States. It also recognizes Finnish expertise, which is trusted even in the most demanding projects. The F-35 will become the backbone of air defense for the democratic world, and Linnavuori will establish itself as an important knowledge hub in Finland,” stated Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen.

Meanwhile, Defence Properties Finland CEO Matias Warsta highlighted that the project successfully passed all U.S. security inspections. “Strict security regulations must be observed throughout the supply chain, and both contractors and designers performed exceptionally well in this demanding project. Thanks to close and effective cooperation among all parties, we were able to keep the schedule precisely on track,” he said.

Cover image courtesy of Lockheed Martin.

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