The first batch of F-35s will be delivered to Finland in 2026
Finland to buy 64 U.S. F-35A multi-role fighters from Lockheed Martin for $9.5 billion (8.4 billion euros), according to a statement released by Finland’s government on December 10.
Lockheed Martin competed for the deal with U.S. Boeing, Sweden’s Saab, France’s Dassault, Britain’s BAE Systems, and the Eurofighter consortium of the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain, and finally won the contract of 64 fighter jets.
F-35 Lightning II official account posted on Twitter: “The Finnish government chose the F-35 as the winner of the HX Program. By selecting the F-35, Finland gains a significant capability to ensure stability in the region.”
Finland’s Defense Minister Antti Kaikkonen said, “The F35 fulfilled the demands for preparedness, industrial cooperation, and cost.”
Kaikkonen cites the plane’s “battle, intelligence and resilience capabilities” and said, “In comparisons of the military capabilities, the F35 overall system was the best at meeting our needs”.
Finland becomes the 14th nation to choose the F-35 aircraft and with the announcement of the deal, the small Nordic country is expected to replace its existing fleet of F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets bought in 1992.
According to a government official, the first batch of F-35s will be delivered to Finland in 2026 and the fleet of F/A-18 Hornet will be fully replaced by 2030.
Although Finland is not a NATO member, recently the country has been strengthening its ties with the U.S. and other NATO members and choosing the military equipment compatible with NATO allies.
Separately on December 13, U.S. President Joseph R. Biden and President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö held a phone call and discussed the situation at the borders of Ukraine. Both presidents agreed on the importance to continue their cooperation to find a diplomatic resolution to the crisis.
