Finland is going to assemble F-35 aircraft

The Finnish company Patria will build a plant in Nokia to assemble and maintain F-35 Block 4 fighters.

Here's What We Know

The project is related to the $9.6 billion contract for the purchase of these aircraft, which was signed in February 2022. The agreement provides for the supply of 64 F-35s to the Finnish Air Force.

The construction of the plant is part of the industrial phase of the contract, as the project required the creation of workshops to fully service the aircraft.

Engine assembly work is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2024. According to the terms of the industrial agreement, engine maintenance at the Nokia plant will continue throughout the life cycle of the F-35. In total, the plant will employ around 100 people in various functions.

Finnish Defence Minister Antti Häkkinen noted that the cooperation will contribute to the accumulation of important experience in the field of maintenance and repair.

Source: Defence News