Finland Selects F-35 Lightning II

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The government of Finland has chosen Lockheed Martin’s 5th Generation F-35 Lightning II multi-role fighter jet to replace its current fleet of F/A-18 Hornets. The package selected includes 64 F-35A fighters and a weapons package along with sustainment and training solutions through 2030. The procurement contract is valued at around $9.48 billion.

“We are honored the Government of Finland through its thorough, open competition has selected the F-35, and we look forward to partnering with the Finnish Defence Forces and Finnish defence industry to deliver and sustain the F-35 aircraft,” said Bridget Lauderdale, Lockheed Martin vice president and F-35 Program general manager. “The F-35 will provide Finnish industries unique digital capabilities that leverage 5th Generation engineering and manufacturing.”

The Finnish government chose the F-35 through its HX Program bidding competition, which began in 2018. Other aircraft considered were the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet, Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon and Saab Gripen. According to the Finnish air force, it plans to begin phasing out its Hornet fleet in 2025.

Kate O'Connor
Kate O’Connor works as AVweb's Editor-in-Chief. She is a private pilot, certificated aircraft dispatcher, and graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

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