Patria has officially inaugurated its new engine center in Linnavuori, Nokia, dedicated to the assembly and maintenance of F135 engines that will power the Finnish Air Force’s F-35A fighters. The project was completed on schedule and built by Defence Properties Finland, which handed over the facilities to Patria.
As a strategic partner of the Finnish Defence Forces, Patria will be responsible for the assembly, maintenance, and servicing of the F135 engines. Initially, the facility will operate as an assembly center and later focus on maintenance and modernization work. Support activities will continue in Nokia throughout the entire life cycle of Finland’s F-35 fleet, whose first aircraft are expected to arrive at Rovaniemi Air Base by late 2026.
The construction was carried out in accordance with the security standards and requirements of the F-35 program and engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney, as part of the industrial cooperation linked to the project. “The purpose of the industrial participation led by Finland’s Ministry of Defence is to ensure domestic supply and, at the same time, generate employment. The production of F-35 components in Linnavuori is a significant and concrete step in the defense and security cooperation between Finland and the United States. It is also a recognition of Finnish expertise, which is trusted even in the most demanding projects. The F-35 will become the backbone of the air defense of the democratic world, and Linnavuori will establish an important knowledge hub in Finland,” said Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen.
Defence Properties Finland’s CEO, Matias Warsta, noted 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 met the requirements in this demanding project. Thanks to close and effective cooperation among all parties, we were able to maintain the schedule precisely,” he said.
Defence Properties Finland is responsible for building and maintaining the infrastructure associated with the F-35 program in the country, including air bases and the Linnavuori facilities.
Patria’s F-35 Program Manager, Petri Hepola, highlighted the strong coordination during the project: “Cooperation among all parties during the construction of Linnavuori has been smooth. It’s rewarding to see the results of our joint efforts, which help develop new capabilities for the F-35 program. The Linnavuori facilities and Patria’s growing team play a key role in the future assembly and maintenance of F135 engines.”
In March of this year, Patria reported that the project was progressing as planned and that a ceremony marking the completion of one of the complex’s main areas took place on March 14, 2025. On that occasion, Minister Häkkänen emphasized that “the F135 engine maintenance and support capability being built in Linnavuori, Nokia, and the resulting expertise in Finland, strengthen the military security of supply for the F-35 system. The development of national-level maintenance capability helps ensure that the Finnish Air Force’s F-35 fighter engines can remain operational under all conditions.”
In 2024, Patria signed an agreement with Pratt & Whitney for the assembly of F135 engines and components between 2025 and 2030, after which the maintenance, repair, overhaul, and upgrade (MRO&U) phase will begin in 2030. The direct employment impact is estimated at around 50 people during the initial stage. In addition to the production complex, new infrastructure and transport routes were built in the Linnavuori area.
Cover image for illustrative purposes only.
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