With the introduction of the F-35A, Finland’s air defence and air power enter the next generation.

With the introduction of the F-35A, Finland’s air defence and air power enter the next generation. Its advanced fifth-generation capabilities will significantly strengthen Finland’s defence capability, reinforce NATO’s air power, and enhance the Alliance’s operational effectiveness across its entire area of responsibility. By the turn of the decade, Europe will be operating an interoperable fleet of approximately 700 F-35 aircraft, ushering in a new era for European air defence and air power. For Finland, an initial operational capability is expected to be achieved at the beginning of 2028, with full operational capability planned for early 2031. The current F/A-18 fleet will continue to operate alongside the new aircraft until 2030.

The largest single acquisition in the history of the Finnish Defence Forces is not merely an aircraft purchase. It is a comprehensive system. At the same time, a significant global ecosystem is being built around the platform, including approximately 700 aircraft and their associated systems across Europe alone. This will also create new commercial opportunities, as maintaining and developing the overall system will require substantial expertise and capacity for decades to come.

It was an honour to participate in the event and witness the Finnish F-35A take the skies over Finland under the command of a Finnish pilot. We would like to thank the personnel of the Finnish Defence Forces and the Finnish Air Force, Lockheed Martin, and all others whose dedication and hard work made this significant milestone possible.

We wish the Finnish Air Force every success in building, introducing, and operating this remarkable new capability!

Article and photos by Mika Kulkas