Lockheed Martin Corporation | Lockheed Martin
ROVANIEMI, Finland, Oct. 1, 2026 — The Republic of Finland celebrated a significant milestone as it welcomed its first two permanently based F-35A aircraft, heralding the onset of advanced 5th Generation capabilities for the Finnish Defence Forces.
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) participated in the arrival ceremony, which was hosted by the Finnish Air Force and attended by senior Finnish government and military leaders, alongside representatives from the U.S. and allied nations, as well as industry partners. The event underscored Finland’s critical role in bolstering security and deterrence across the Nordic region, Europe, and the NATO alliance.
Major General Timo Herranen, Commander of the Finnish Air Force, emphasized the strategic importance of the F-35, stating, “What begins here is the introduction of a 5th Generation system built for the security environment we actually live in. The F-35 was chosen because it is designed for an environment like ours. Flying the F-35, our pilots can do the mission and come home to fly the next round. A 5th Generation aircraft that can see farther but not be seen, share information faster, strike accurately and survive longer is not a luxury here. It is a requirement.”
OJ Sanchez, President of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, remarked, “The arrival of Finland’s first F-35 is about far more than a new aircraft—it is about strengthening the nation’s ability to deter aggression, defend its sovereignty, and secure its future. As Finland continues to play an increasingly important role in Nordic, European, and NATO security, the F-35 will provide a powerful, connected capability that will help the Finnish Defence Forces meet the demands of an evolving security environment. We are proud to stand with Finland as it brings this critical capability home.”
Lockheed Martin spearheads a global F-35 program supported by over 2,100 suppliers across more than a dozen countries. Selected by 20 allied nations, including 13 in Europe, the F-35 enhances interoperability and collective deterrence through seamless collaboration among allied forces.
The program fosters significant international industrial participation, with 25% by value of every F-35 built produced in Europe, and all major components now manufactured there. Earlier in the year, Patria became the first company outside Lockheed Martin to produce the F-35 forward fuselage, highlighting Finland’s vital contribution to the global F-35 enterprise.
With the recent arrival, Finland has now received 10 of its 64 F-35A aircraft. Eight of these aircraft are presently stationed at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas, where Finnish pilots and maintainers are undergoing training in preparation for the fleet’s continued integration into Finnish service.
About the F-35 Lightning II
Globally, more than 1,375 F-35s are operational, having surpassed a million flight hours. The combat-proven F-35 operates from 42 bases worldwide, including 13 nations on home soil. As adversaries evolve and legacy aircraft age, the F-35 remains essential for sustaining air dominance into the future.
About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology firm dedicated to innovation and scientific advancement. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies for those we serve. More details can be found at Lockheedmartin.com.
Source: Lockheed Martin (2026-10-01 15:00:00)
