Summary (tl;dr)

Finnish defense company Patria has successfully completed the assembly of the first F135 engine for the F-35 fighter jet in Finland, a significant step in establishing domestic capabilities for the country's F-35 program.

Essential Background

In 2021, the Finnish Government authorized the procurement of 64 F-35A Lightning II fighter jets to replace its aging F/A-18 Hornet fleet. A key component of this acquisition was an industrial participation program aimed at strengthening Finland's security of supply and domestic defense industry. As part of this program, Patria was designated to handle the assembly, maintenance, repair, overhaul, and upgrade (MRO&U) of the F135 engines that power the F-35s. Construction of a new F135 engine assembly and maintenance facility in Linnavuori, Nokia, began in late 2024 and was handed over to Patria in October 2025. Patria and Pratt & Whitney finalized an agreement for the assembly of the first F135 engines in Finland in February 2026, with production commencing in July 2026.

The Full Story

On September 3, 2026, Patria announced the successful completion of the first F135 fighter engine assembled at its Linnavuori facility in Nokia, Finland. This milestone represents the full-scale entry into production for Patria's role in the F-35 program. The facility is slated to continue F135 engine assembly until 2030, after which it will transition to providing comprehensive maintenance, repair, overhaul, and modernization services for the F135 engines throughout the operational lifespan of Finland's F-35A fleet, projected to last into the 2060s. The first F-35A aircraft purchased by Finland are expected to arrive at the Lapland Air Wing base in Rovaniemi in late 2026.

Why It Matters

This achievement is critical for Finland's defense capabilities and industrial strategy, enhancing the country's security of supply for its F-35 fleet and reducing reliance on external support for critical engine maintenance. It strengthens Finland's position within the global F-35 sustainment network and contributes to the collective defense architecture of NATO in Northern Europe. The program also fosters significant high-tech expertise and is expected to create approximately 50 direct jobs at Patria between 2025 and 2030.

Geographic Location

• Linnavuori, Nokia, Pirkanmaa, Finland (completion of first F135 engine assembly)
• Halli, Jämsä, Central Finland, Finland (production of F-35 forward fuselage sections and landing gear doors)
• Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland (expected arrival of first F-35A fighter jets for the Lapland Air Wing)