JF-501 took off from Fort Worth on January 20 at about 10:30 a.m. local time, with the ferry flight flown by U.S. Air Force Major Cole “Laser” Kingsbery. The aircraft was welcomed at Ebbing Air National Guard Base by several officials, including Tuukka Elonheimo, Chief of the Foreign Liaison Office of the Finnish F-35 Programme.
Finland’s very first F-35A, #JF501, arrived at Ebbing ANGB in Fort Smith, Arkansas, on 20 January. This spring, the first Finnish Joint Fighters (JF) will enter service at the base as part of the practical phase of the F-35 initial training. 🇫🇮🇺🇸#ilmavoimat #F35programme #F35 pic.twitter.com/rlireQmqZo
— Ilmavoimat (@FinnishAirForce) January 20, 2026
“This is a historic day for the Finnish Air Force,” Colonel Elonheimo said. “The arrival of JF-501 at Ebbing ANGB is a great milestone for our F-35 capability introduction and marks the official delivery of Finland’s F-35 fighters.”
He added that “the initial training on the F-35 in the US further strengthens our air forces’ cooperation and provides a solid foundation for our defence.” According to Elonheimo, “the knowledge and support we have received from our US partners have been outstanding, as has their hospitality.”
The aircraft conducted its maiden flight on December 8, 2025, as part of factory testing and was presented to the public during a rollout ceremony on December 16. After completing factory and independent test flights, ownership transferred to Finland on December 23, and the aircraft was entered into the Finnish Military Aircraft Register on January 8.
During the spring, the first Finnish F-35s will be introduced into service at Ebbing as part of the practical phase of initial training. The first eight aircraft will be delivered to Arkansas, while fighters starting with registration JF-509 will be delivered directly to Finland from late 2026 onward.
Approximately 150 Finnish personnel will receive initial F-35 training in the United States, including pilots, maintenance staff, and specialists in data systems and logistics. “The international F-35 training will serve as a base for our pilots and maintainers, enabling them to build expertise on the F-35 that will be shared with the rest of our personnel in Finland,” Elonheimo said.
He noted that “the valuable insights and networks gained during training in the US will provide an excellent foundation for the continued use of our Joint Fighter, safeguarding Finland and its allies for decades to come.” Initial training in the United States will continue until early 2028, after which the eight training aircraft will be ferried to Finland.
