F-35 Fighters Bring Security, Jobs and Industry to Finland

Finland's new F-35 fighter jets have arrived. Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen says the programme will strengthen Finland's defence and create thousands of jobs.

The first Finnish F-35 fighters were received at a ceremony in Rovaniemi. Minister Häkkänen gave a speech at the event. He called the arrival of the new generation of fighters a historic milestone.

Stronger Defence for Finland and NATO

Häkkänen said the F-35 will make Finland and NATO stronger. The programme is worth over ten billion euros. It will improve deterrence and defence in the northern region.

"The integration of the F-35 into Finland's defence system is a crucial addition to both national and alliance performance in the north," Häkkänen said.

He compared the F-35 purchase to Finland's decision to buy Hornet fighters in the 1990s. He said Finland is committed to defence even in difficult economic times.

Jobs and Industrial Growth

The F-35 programme is already creating work in Finland. More than 30 Finnish companies are involved. The project is expected to create about 5,000 person-years of work.

The direct employment impact of industrial participation is estimated at 4,500 person-years. Associated construction projects will add about 1,500 more person-years of jobs.

Patria is building F-35 forward fuselages in Jämsä. These parts will also be made for other users. Engines are assembled and maintained in Finland.

New Opportunities for Finnish Companies

Many Finnish companies are taking part in the project. Direct partners include Patria, Insta, Millog, Finnair and Combitech. Indirect partners include Iceye, Bittium, Hiab, Ponsse, Reaktor and others. Research partners include VTT, Aalto University and the University of Tampere.

Häkkänen said Finnish expertise is world-class. The project includes research and development with Lockheed Martin in areas like autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, sensors, space and cyber technologies, and advanced manufacturing.

"We have succeeded in creating an exceptional package of industrial participation in Finland," Häkkänen said.

Deliveries Begin in 2026

Finland has ordered 64 F-35 multi-role fighters. Deliveries to Finland will begin in 2026. The F-35 will gradually replace the Hornet fleet in the coming years.

Häkkänen said the project may open even more opportunities for Finnish companies in the future. He mentioned a new agreement between Insta and Lockheed Martin that extends cooperation beyond the F-35 project.