The first of the 64 new F-35A stealth fighters built by Lockheed Martin for the Finnish Air Force was unveiled

After completing its maiden test flight days ago, the first of the 64 new fifth-generation F-35A stealth fighters for the Finnish Air Force was officially unveiled. The ceremony took place at Lockheed Martin’s production facilities in Fort Worth, Texas, and was attended by Finland’s Minister of Defence, Antti Häkkänen.

The aircraft, unveiled on December 16 and bearing the serial number “JF-501,” is the first fifth-generation fighter produced for Finland to roll off the assembly line. It is part of a total of 64 new F-35s intended to equip the Finnish Air Force (Ilmavoimat) and to eventually replace the current F/A-18 Hornet fleet.

The presentation took place just days after the aircraft completed its first test flight, marking one of the most important milestones of Finland’s F-35 program. The flight was conducted at the facilities of the Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base.

Official statements

As noted, among the senior officials attending the ceremony was Finland’s Minister of Defence, Antti Häkkänen, who stated in his remarks: “Finland is a NATO member and is committed to acting as a reliable defence provider on the northern flank (…) Finland is investing heavily in national industrial capabilities through industrial participation; we believe that our investment and a highly capable defence industry can benefit the F-35 program not only locally, but also on a more global scale.”

Meanwhile, Major General Timo Herranen, Commander of the Finnish Air Force, highlighted that the “… F-35 will deliver unmatched capabilities in all those areas and will bring a completely new level of capability to our defence. We are looking forward to the start of F-35 operations next year.”

Next steps

First, it should be noted that this aircraft, which will be delivered to the Finnish Air Force in 2026, will be part of the initial group of eight fighters that will be based in the United States, operating from Ebbing Air National Guard Base for the training of pilots, aircrews, and maintenance personnel. In addition, the first combat aircraft outside this initial batch are expected to be delivered at the end of next year to Rovaniemi Air Base, in order to begin operational service with the Lapland Air Wing.

After 2026, the Finnish Air Force has set 2027 and 2028 as the timeframe to achieve Initial Operational Capability with the new combat platform, during which the Karelia Air Wing, located at Rissala, Siilinjärvi, will also receive its first F-35s to begin replacing the Hornet fleet.

By 2030, the F-35 is scheduled to reach Full Operational Capability, enabling the progressive retirement of the F/A-18 Hornet and making the stealth fighter the Finnish Air Force’s primary combat aircraft by 2031.

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