Lockheed Martin
Finnish Air Force F-35A
Government and military leaders from the United States and Finland gathered today at Lockheed Martin’s (NYSE: LMT) F-35 production facility to mark the rollout of the first F-35A Lightning II aircraft for the Finnish Air Force, a milestone signaling a new generation of Finnish air power and reinforcing transatlantic ties amid saber-rattling by the Russian Bear.
The ceremony highlighted Finland’s growing role within NATO and its long-term defense modernization strategy. Finland’s Minister of Defense Antti Häkkänen emphasized the country’s commitment to collective security and industrial participation in the program.
“Finland is a NATO member and committed to act as a dependable defense provider in the northern flank,” Häkkänen said. “Finland is investing heavily in national industrial capabilities through industrial participation, we believe that our investment and highly capable defense industry can benefit the F-35 program not just locally but also at a more global level.”
Finnish Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Timo Herranen underscored the operational advantages the aircraft will bring.
“In the Finnish operational environment, survivability, lethality, and cooperation are imperative,” Herranen said. “The F-35 will deliver unmatched capability in all those areas, and it will bring a whole new level of capability for our defense. We are looking forward to the start of F-35 operations next year.”
The F-35 program includes 20 allied nations, 13 of them in Europe, and the aircraft is currently in active service with 16 services worldwide. Lockheed Martin said Finland’s F-35 fleet will enhance integration across the Finnish Defense Forces while strengthening interoperability with NATO allies.
“The F-35 continues to demonstrate its ability to deter threats and prevail in combat,” said Greg Ulmer, president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.
Finnish industry plays a role in the program’s global supply chain, with more than 30 Finnish companies and academic institutions partnering with Lockheed Martin. The first aircraft is scheduled for delivery in early 2026 and will ferry to Ebbing Air Force Base in Arkansas for pilot training. Finland plans to acquire 64 F-35As, the largest F-35 fleet in northern Europe.