Lockheed Martin delivers its first two F-35A jets to Finland

Lockheed Martin and the Republic of Finland celebrated the arrival of Finland's first two permanently based F-35A aircraft on October 1, 2026. The milestone marks the beginning of fifth-generation stealth fighter capabilities for the Finnish Defence Forces.

With the arrival of these two aircraft in Rovaniemi, Finland has received 10 of its planned 64 F-35A jets. The remaining eight delivered aircraft are temporarily stationed at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas, where Finnish pilots and maintainers conduct training.

OJ Sanchez, President of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, said the arrival strengthens Finland's ability to deter aggression and defend its sovereignty across the Nordic region, Europe, and NATO. Major General Timo Herranen, Commander of the Finnish Air Force, highlighted that the platform is designed to share information faster, strike accurately, and operate survivably in the region's security environment.

The F-35 program involves more than 2,100 suppliers across more than a dozen countries, with 20 allied nations selecting the aircraft, including 13 in Europe. Lockheed Martin noted that 25% by value of every F-35 built is produced in Europe. Earlier in 2026, Finnish defence group Patria became the first company outside Lockheed Martin to produce the F-35 forward fuselage. Globally, more than 1,375 F-35 aircraft are operational across 42 bases worldwide, having accumulated over one million flight hours.