Finland and Lockheed Martin Celebrate Debut of Finland's First F-35A

Rhea-AI Summary

Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) and Finland celebrated the rollout of Finland's first F-35A Lightning II at Lockheed Martin's Fort Worth production facility on Dec 16, 2025. The company said the aircraft will be delivered to the Finnish Air Force in early 2026 and begin pilot training at Ebbing Air Force Base, Arkansas.

Finland's program of record calls for 64 F-35As, which Lockheed Martin says will be the largest F-35 fleet in northern Europe. Lockheed notes >1,900 global F-35 suppliers and partnerships with 30+ Finnish companies and academic institutions as part of industrial participation.

Positive

• Delivery timing: first F-35A scheduled early 2026
• Program size: Finland ordered 64 F-35As
• Industrial participation: partnerships with 30+ Finnish firms
• Supplier network: >1,900 global F-35 suppliers
• Interoperability: enhances Finland-NATO integration and situational awareness

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction

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On the day this news was published, LMT declined 1.52%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

FORT WORTH, Texas, Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a ceremony today at Lockheed Martin's (NYSE: LMT) F-35 production facility, esteemed government and military leaders from the United States and Finland celebrated the rollout of the first F-35A Lightning II for the Finnish Air Force. The event marks a new generation of Finnish air power and strengthens strategic trans-Atlantic relations.

"Finland is a NATO member and committed to act as a dependable defence provider in the northern flank," said Finland's Minister of Defence, Antti Häkkänen. "Finland is investing heavily in national industrial capabilities through industrial participation, we believe that our investment and highly capable defence industry can benefit the F-35 program not just locally but also at a more global level."

"In the Finnish operational environment, survivability, lethality and cooperation are imperative," said Major General Timo Herranen, Commander of the Finnish Air Force. "The F-35 will deliver unmatched capability in all those areas, and it will bring a whole new level of capability for our defence. We are looking forward to the start of F-35 operations next year."

The F-35 unites 20 allied nations that have chosen the aircraft, including 13 in Europe, and is in active service with 16 services worldwide. With its unmatched interoperability, Finland's F-35s will strengthen integration between the different branches of the Finnish Defence Forces and connect assets across domains, increasing situational awareness for Finland and its NATO allies.

"The F-35 continues to demonstrate its ability to deter threats and prevail in combat, and it will give the Finnish Air Force a decisive edge in protecting the nation and bolstering allied partnership in the Nordic region and beyond," said Greg Ulmer, president, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. "The F-35 program underpins a powerful network of integrated deterrence, advancing allied cooperation, industrial strength and shared security."  

Finnish industry is part of a global network of more than 1,900 F-35 suppliers. Lockheed Martin has partnered with more than 30 companies and academic institutions across Finland, transferring cutting-edge technologies and expertise that promote innovation and growth in Finland's aerospace sector. 

The first aircraft will be delivered to the Finnish Air Force in early 2026 and will ferry to Ebbing Air Force Base, Arkansas, where F-35A pilot training takes place. Finland's program of record calls for 64 F-35As, which will be the largest F-35 fleet in northern Europe. The first aircraft will arrive in the country next year.

About the F-35 Lightning II
More than 1,270 F-35s are currently operational around the globe, and the fleet has surpassed 1 million flight hours. The combat-proven F-35 operates from 50 bases worldwide, including 10 nations operating on home soil. As adversaries advance and legacy aircraft age, the F-35 is critical to maintaining air dominance for decades to come.

About Lockheed Martin 
Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security^® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at Lockheedmartin.com.  

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SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics

FAQ

When will Finland receive its first F-35A from Lockheed Martin (LMT)?

The first F-35A is scheduled for delivery to the Finnish Air Force in early 2026.

How many F-35As did Finland order under its program of record (LMT)?

Finland's program of record calls for 64 F-35As.

Where will Finnish F-35 pilot training take place for the initial aircraft (LMT)?

Initial pilot training will take place at Ebbing Air Force Base, Arkansas.

What industrial benefits does the F-35 program bring to Finland (LMT)?

Lockheed Martin cites partnerships with 30+ Finnish companies and access to a global supplier network of >1,900 suppliers.

Will Finland's F-35s improve NATO integration and regional defence (LMT)?

Yes; the announcement says the F-35s will strengthen interoperability, situational awareness, and allied cooperation in the Nordic region.