US EditionFinland and Lockheed Martin Celebrate Debut of Finland's First F-35A
Finland’s $10 billion order of 64 jets will enhance national defense and NATO readiness amid regional tensions, with deliveries starting in 2026, Lockheed Martin said.
- On Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, Lockheed Martin rolled out the first F-35A Lightning II for the Finnish Air Force at its Fort Worth, Texas production facility, with Chauncey McIntosh highlighting its advanced capabilities.
- Following Finland's 2023 NATO membership, the Finnish government ordered 64 F-35As in 2021 in a nearly $10 billion deal with 2026 delivery start, framed by Russia's expanded military presence this year.
- Lockheed's Fort Worth production facility has assembled jets since 2004 using parts built in other countries and supports roughly 19,200 employees with a $17.7 billion payroll in Texas.
- Antti Häkkänen, Finland's minister of defense, said the rollout strengthens Finland's deterrents and NATO readiness, with the first aircraft arriving next year as deliveries begin in 2026.
- The multinational F-35 program includes roughly 20 allied nations with more than 1,270 operational jets and expects 170 to 190 deliveries in 2025 despite criticism from Elon Musk in 2024.
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Lockheed Martin presented the F-35 fighter jet to be delivered to Finland in Fort Worth with great fanfare.
Fox 59 Indianapolis
Finland and Lockheed Martin Celebrate Debut of Finland's First F-35A
Finland’s 1st F-35A multirole fighter presented in US
The first Finnish F-35A multirole fighter, designated JF-501, was presented to the public at a rollout ceremony at Lockheed Martins production facility in Fort Worth, Texas in United States on Tuesday, said Finnish Defence Forces in a press release. Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen, Commander of the Finnish Air Force, Major General Timo Herranen and Colonel (ret.) Henrik Elo, Director of the F-35 Programme were present on the occasion. About 200…
The presentation of Finland's first F-35 fighter jet in Texas went off with dignity. The bond with the United States is strengthening in both defense and economy.
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