Finnish Air Force Prepares for Arrival of First F-35 Jets

Finnish Air Force Accelerates F-35 Lightning II Readiness as Stealth Jets Near Home Arrival

AeroNewsJournal In the frame: Commander of the Finnish Air Force, Major General Timo Herranen. Image: Finnish Defence Forces.Helsinki, March 31 - The Finnish Air Force is steadily advancing its F-35 Lightning II program as it prepares for the arrival of the first F-35 fighters on home soil later in 2026. This major modernization effort, which includes acquiring 64 advanced multirole stealth aircraft, marks a significant upgrade from the current …

Finnish Air Force prepares for arrival of first F-35 jets

The first aircraft, designated JF-501, arrived in the United States in January 2026 at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas. Airworthiness procedures and acceptance inspections began there, while Finnish pilots and maintenance personnel initiated training activities in the United States. Pilot training started in February at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, alongside simulator and theoretical instruction. Maintenance personnel have also co…