The first F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter of the Finnish Air Force (FINAF) arrived on January 20, 2026, at Ebbing Air Base in the United States, marking the formal start of the training program for Finnish pilots and technical personnel on this fifth-generation weapons system.
The arrival of the aircraft begins a training process that will extend over the next two years. It is planned that around 20 FINAF pilots will take part in the program, which is scheduled to conclude in February 2028. Operational training on the F-35A will begin in May 2026 and will include academic instruction as well as simulator activities and live flights.
In this regard, the commander of the 85th Fighter Group, Colonel Nicholas “Matrix” Ihde, stated: “We are extremely excited to welcome our Finnish partners to Ebbing. This program goes beyond simple training; it is about building strong relationships and strengthening our collective deterrence. Training Finnish pilots here, alongside our forces, strengthens interoperability and sends a powerful message of unity.”
From the Finnish side, Colonel Elonheimo, head of Finland’s F-35 Program External Liaison Office and the country’s main representative at the event, said: “This is a historic day for the Finnish Air Force. Receiving our first F-35 and starting our training here at Ebbing is a crucial step in improving interoperability and strengthening our nation’s deterrence and defense capabilities.” He also thanked the United States for its support and highlighted that the joint program will ensure comprehensive training for both pilots and technicians.
The training will be conducted by the 57th Fighter Squadron of the United States Air Force, a unit specifically dedicated to the instruction of international partners within the framework of Foreign Military Sales of the F-35. The training plan includes multiple locations: pilots will complete the academic and simulator phase at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, and then carry out flight training in the airspace over Fort Smith, Arkansas.
At the same time, Finnish Air Force maintenance personnel will take part in training programs at Ebbing, where they will work alongside Interim Contract Support (ICS) technicians. This phase aims to ensure that FINAF has the necessary capabilities to operate and maintain the F-35A once the aircraft are transferred to Finland.
The arrival of the F-35A at Ebbing follows the official presentation, in December 2025, of the first aircraft destined for Finland at Lockheed Martin’s plant in Fort Worth, Texas. The aircraft, identified with the tail number “JF-501,” had previously completed its inaugural test flight at the Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, constituting a key milestone within the program that foresees the incorporation of 64 F-35A aircraft to replace the current F/A-18 Hornet fleet of the Ilmavoimat.
With this step, Finland moves forward in the implementation of its F-35 program, combining the progressive reception of aircraft with the training of the personnel required for their future operation.
Images obtained from DVIDS.
You may also like: Finland confirms purchase of new AMRAAM missiles from the U.S. to equip its future fleet of F-35A stealth fighters
