Maj. Gen. Juha-Pekka Keränen, outgoing Commander of the Finnish Air Force, recently offered insights into Finland’s progress toward transitioning to the F-35A. The first aircraft are due to arrive in Finland in late 2026, with full operational capability (FOC) scheduled for the end of 2030. Keränen is confident that the ambitious transition timeline, which sees the Boeing F/A-18C/D Hornet phased out completely by 2028, will be met. He was quoted as saying, “I see no major obstacles ahead of us – on a large scale we’re doing well and I’m pleased with the progress of the program.”
Photo: Finnish Air Force
Training of Finnish personnel will begin in the USA in autumn 2025, encompassing theory and simulator courses in Eglin, Florida, followed by hands-on flight training at Ebbing Air Base, Arkansas. The initial training will involve the first eight aircraft as they roll off the production line. Full Operational Capability (FOC) for the F-35 is projected by the end of 2030.
To accommodate the F-35, all Finnish airbases are currently undergoing significant development. Construction of new hangars, maintenance areas, and training simulators is in full swing. These changes stem from the size and weight differences between the F-35 and the outgoing F/A-18. The infrastructure upgrades also aim to enhance combat resilience and align with the Agile Combat Employment concept. Keränen stressed the importance of meeting deadlines, particularly for the simulator facilities at Lapland Air Wing, which must be ready by early autumn 2026.
The F-35 will introduce a step-change in capability for the Finnish air force. The aircraft’s advanced sensors, stealth characteristics, and long-range weapons will provide Finland with a significant advantage in any future conflict. Keränen highlighted the F-35’s superiority over the Hornet in key areas such as targeting moving targets, detecting ballistic missile launches, and intercepting cruise missiles. The F-35’s advanced data fusion capabilities will also change how Finnish fighters operate. Each aircraft in a four-ship formation will be capable of performing a wider range of missions, with roles changing dynamically during a sortie.
The Finnish F-35s will be manufactured in the Block 4 configuration, specifically the Technology Refresh (TR)-3 version. Upgrades and retrofits are planned throughout the aircraft’s service life, ensuring the Finnish F-35 fleet remains at the forefront of airpower technology until the 2060s.
The introduction of the F-35 will create approximately 120 new jobs in the Finnish Defence Forces, with a focus on technical and specialist roles. Conscripts will continue to play a vital role in aircraft maintenance. Reservists will receive conversion training to familiarize them with the F-35.
The F-35 will also enhance the Finnish Defence Forces’ ability to conduct joint operations. The aircraft’s data-sharing capabilities will enable real-time coordination with army and navy units. Joint fires exercises have already been conducted with F-35s from the U.S. and Norway. Finland is also investing in advanced simulators that will allow all three services to train together in virtual environments.
Finland is actively engaged with the wider F-35 user community. Keränen has participated in air chief meetings since 2022 and has found other nations willing to share lessons learned. He noted Finnish expertise is highly regarded within the F-35 community, particularly Finland’s pragmatic approach to operating in a challenging security environment. Finland is also exploring the concept of cross-servicing, which would allow Finnish F-35s to operate from bases in other NATO countries.
Finland’s approach to acquiring the F-35 has been characterized by careful planning and a focus on long-term sustainability. Weapons procurement has been spread over several years to ensure that the Finnish Defence Forces can acquire the latest versions. The aircraft themselves will be upgraded throughout their service life, with major enhancements expected every decade. Keränen is confident that the F-35 will provide Finland with a credible air defence capability until the 2060s. He handed over command of the Finnish air force to Brig. Gen. Timo Herranen on Dec. 1.
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