The facility will first be used for assembling the engines, then gradually shift to full maintenance and overhaul operations. Patria will carry out this work throughout the F-35 fleet’s lifecycle, with Finland’s first F-35A aircraft due to arrive at the Lapland Air Wing in Rovaniemi by the end of 2026.
Constructed under the high security requirements of the F-35 programme and engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney, the facility forms part of Finland’s broader industrial cooperation in the project. “The purpose of the industrial participation led by the Finnish Ministry of Defence is to secure domestic security of supply and, at the same time, create employment,” said Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen.
Häkkänen added, “The production of F-35 components in Linnavuori is a significant and concrete step forward in the defence and security cooperation between Finland and the United States. It is also a recognition of Finnish expertise, which is trusted even in the most demanding projects. The F-35 will become the backbone of air defence for the entire democratic world, and with Linnavuori, an important centre of expertise will be established in Finland.”
The construction project met all security requirements set by the United States, with tight controls observed throughout the supply chain. “Strict security regulations must be observed throughout the supply chain, and both contractors and designers performed well in this demanding project. Thanks to close and effective cooperation between all parties, we were able to keep to the schedule precisely,” said Matias Warsta, CEO of Defence Properties Finland.
Petri Hepola, Patria’s Chief Program Officer for F-35, praised the joint effort behind the project’s success. “Cooperation between the parties during the Linnavuori construction project has been smooth. It’s great to see the results of our joint efforts, which help to build new capabilities for F-35 programme. The production facilities in Linnavuori and the growing Patria team play a key role in this and in the upcoming F135 engine assembly and maintenance work.”
Under a 2024 agreement with Pratt & Whitney, Patria will assemble F135 engines and components from 2025 to 2030. From 2030 onwards, it will transition to full Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul and Upgrade (MRO&U) operations, with around 50 jobs expected to be created during the initial phase.
The Linnavuori project also includes newly built infrastructure and transport routes to support the facility’s operations. Defence Properties Finland will continue developing infrastructure across all Finnish Air Force bases throughout the decade.
