Finland received its first F-35 combat aircraft at an arrival ceremony in Rovaniemi. Finland’s Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen addressed the ceremony, highlighting the importance of these next-generation fighters for Finland’s defence and recounting their wider positive effects.

“We have successfully entered the home straight of this historic programme now that the first next-generation fighters have arrived in Finland. Integrating the F-35 fighters into our defence system is a crucial improvement to our own performance and to that of the Alliance here in the north. The F-35 programme will also strengthen Finland’s industrial capabilities: already, more than 30 Finnish companies have joined the effort, creating an estimated 5,000 person-years of employment. Patria will manufacture front fuselages for other users as well. F-35 engines will be assembled and maintained in Finland. Our contribution to 5G technology will boost our security of supply and create new business opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic,” Minister of Defence Häkkänen said.

Minister Häkkänen described the arrival of the first F-35 fighters as a historic day. He drew parallels with the Hornet decision in the 1990s. Finland is committed to sustaining its defence capability despite a challenging economic climate. The F-35 programme is worth more than EUR 10 billion, and it will strengthen deterrence and defence for both Finland and NATO. All the Nordic countries under NATO’s Joint Force Command Norfolk (JFCNF), and more than 700 fifth-generation fighters across Europe contribute formidable air power to joint operations.

Speech

Inquiries:

Antti Vesala, Senior Adviser to the Minister of Defence, tel. +358 504 710 883