Lockheed Martin debuted Finland's first F-35A fighter jet in Fort Worth, Texas, as part of an order for 66 aircraft.
Finland expects delivery of the F-35s to begin in early 2026, with initial pilot training taking place at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas.
The F-35s are crucial for Finland's defense, replacing its F/A-18 Hornets and providing unmatched capabilities to bolster its security and allied partnerships in the Nordic region.
This acquisition highlights Finland's closer alignment with Western Europe and the U.S. following its 2023 NATO membership, and it will result in the largest F-35 fleet in northern Europe.
The aerospace and defense conglomerate staged a rollout ceremony at its F-35 production facility in Fort Worth, Texas, with government officials from Finland and the U.S. in attendance.
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Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.
