Finland signed a 9.6bn USD contract on 11 February 2022 to purchase 64 F-35A fighters, with deliveries scheduled between 2025 and 2030. A ceremony marking the handover of the first completed aircraft has been set for 16 December at the Fort Worth plant.
Under the current timetable, the first jets will arrive in Finland in 2026. The contract also covers spare engines, ground support equipment, spare parts, training assets and logistical support services.
First flight complete. ✅
Finland’s first F-35 has successfully completed its inaugural flight, marking the next chapter of @FinnishAirForce air defense. ✈️ pic.twitter.com/UOSU2h7Ip1
— Lockheed Martin Europe (@LMEuropeNews) December 9, 2025
The Finnish government ran an open tender in which manufacturers competed not only on aircraft performance but also on industrial cooperation proposals. As a result, Finland secured an extensive offset package designed to raise the capabilities of its aerospace industry to a global level.
Helsinki agreed offset arrangements with Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney worth 30 per cent of the main contract value. Finland will participate in manufacturing work for the programme, a commitment expected to create around 4,500 jobs in the country.
Finnish companies will produce forward fuselage sections for at least 400 F-35s as well as carry out final assembly of Pratt & Whitney F135 engines. This involvement exceeds Finland’s domestic needs, meaning the components will mainly be supplied to other F-35 users.
By joining the global supply chain of the American manufacturers, Finnish industry is set to secure long-term work. The country chose between the F-35A, FA-18E/F/G, JAS-39E, Rafale and Typhoon, conducting flight tests and reviewing documentation from each bidder.
The F-35A was assessed as the strongest candidate across all main technical criteria, including fighter performance, reconnaissance capabilities and survivability. It was also judged to offer the greatest long-term development potential.
Finland plans to operate the aircraft into the early 2060s. The F-35A fleet will replace the Air Force’s current 63 F/A-18C/D Hornets.
