The Finnish government has placed an order with Lockheed Martin for the purchase of 64 fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II multirole stealth fighters. The 64 fighters will come with a robust weapons package, a sustainment solution tailored to Finland’s unique security of supply requirements, as well as a comprehensive training programme. The F35 is the most advanced, survivable and connected fighter aircraft, giving pilots an advantage against any adversary. Its interoperability will facilitate seamless information exchanges with surface and air platforms, strengthening interoperability between the different branches of the Finnish defence forces. Additionally, the F-35 will deliver economic and technical advantages to Finland for decades to come.
Finnish industry will have many first-of-a-kind opportunities to work directly on F-35 production and sustainment. Through indirect industrial participation projects outside of F-35 production, Lockheed Martin will build industry partnerships with Finnish companies and academic institutions that offer opportunities focused on developing and advancing security partnerships far into the future. To date, the F-35 operates from 21 bases worldwide, with nine nations operating F-35s on their home soil. There are more than 730 F-35s in service today, with more than 1,535 pilots and 11,500 maintainers trained on the aircraft.
