The Commander of the Finnish Air Force, provides some interesting insights into the progress of the F-35 program and outlines the goals for its upcoming integration.
In an article recently published on the website of the Ilmavoimat (Finnish Air Force), the FiAF Commander Major General Juha-Pekka Keränen, who’s retired on Nov. 30, 2024, and replaced by Brigadier General Timo Herranen beginning on Dec. 1, 2024, provided an extensive update on the status the F-35 program and NATO integration. He detailed the progress of F-35 capability development, its integration into Finland’s defense systems, and the operational changes it will bring. Keränen also reflected on the evolving role of Finnish airpower within NATO and highlighted the expanding cooperation among Nordic and F-35 user nations.
Let’s see in details what the retiring Finnish Air Force Commander said in the F-35 Briefing.
The Finnish Defense Forces (FDF) are making big strides with the F-35 program, a cornerstone of their modernization plans. Finland selected the F-35 in 2021 to replace the F/A-18 Hornets, ordering 64 aircraft.
Over the past year, there’s been steady progress on multiple fronts: the first F-35A jets for Finland are now in production at Lockheed Martin, infrastructure work is well underway at Finnish air bases, and Finland has been cleared to upgrade its arsenal with cutting-edge missiles like the JASSM-ER and AARGM-ER.
Major General Juha-Pekka Keränen is pleased with how everything’s shaping up.
“The program overall has advanced as planned,” he shared. “There are no major obstacles in sight. On the whole, we’re doing well, and I’m happy with the progress we’ve made so far.”
First Training in 2025, arrival in 2026
Finnish pilots and personnel are gearing up to begin their initial F-35 training in 2025. This first phase will take place in at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, starting with classroom sessions and simulator training. According to Keränen, this will lay the foundation for smooth operations once the planes start arriving in Finland.
“Getting our teams trained and comfortable with the F-35 system early on is a critical step in this whole process,” he explained.
Finland’s very first F-35A, designated JF-501 (Joint Fighter), will be officially handed over during a special rollout ceremony planned in late autumn 2025. Following that, the Finnish Air Force will begin hands-on training at Ebbing Air Base in Arkansas, using the first eight F-35s fresh off the production line. This practical training phase is expected to provide crucial experience for pilots and maintenance crews alike.
By the latter half of 2026, Finns will start seeing the first F-35s operate in Finlad. Once they arrive, personnel trained in the U.S. will begin leading domestic conversion training, introducing their colleagues to the new aircraft and its advanced systems. From there, the plan is to gradually integrate the jets into Finnish operations, with FOC (full operational capability) targeted for the end of 2030.
“We’re sticking to a tight schedule,” Keränen emphasized. “The transition period from the Hornet to the F-35 is very demanding. In 2028, Lapland Air Wing will have F-35s that are combat-ready, and at that point, the Hornet will no longer be flying there. Delaying even by a year or two would be a serious challenge. But, based on where we’re at right now, I don’t see that happening.”
Preparing Finnish Air Bases for the F-35
Meanwhile, Finland is overhauling its air bases, as done by the other nations which joined the program earlier. The upgrades include everything from protective shelters and maintenance hangars to expanded aprons and updated command facilities. This work isn’t just about meeting the F-35’s specific needs, it’s also about ensuring resilience in wartime.
“We’re talking about infrastructure that not only supports day-to-day operations but also ensures the Air Force can keep going in a crisis,” Keränen said. “For example, the ability to house all our F-35s in hardened shelters significantly improves their survivability. And we’re working to make sure all critical functions, like maintenance and command, are housed in protected facilities.”
So far, progress has been steady. Crews have been blasting rock, installing arresting gear systems, and laying the groundwork for new facilities.
“The deadline for having the simulator facilities ready at Lapland Air Wing is early autumn 2026,” Keränen explained. “This is so we can start simulator training right after the summer holidays. It’s critical to keep things moving on schedule.”
It was not mentioned in the report, but the Finnish F-35s should also be equipped with the drag chute fairing seen only on Norwegian F-35As thus far but an option that is reportedly being considered by the Polish and Dutch Lightnings too.
Why These Upgrades Matter
The F-35 program’s requirements go beyond the basics, and the changes being made at Finnish air bases reflect that. For example:
- Combat Resilience: The upgrades ensure Finland’s Air Force can operate the F-35 fleet effectively even during wartime. Having all jets under protective shelters boosts survivability, and improved airfield layouts support Agile Combat Employment strategies.
- National Security: Finland is building domestic repair and maintenance capabilities, along with secure stockpiles of spare parts, to stay self-sufficient in a crisis.
- Program Security: The multinational F-35 program has strict safety and security requirements, covering everything from facility monitoring to information protection. This has led to tighter access controls and enhanced physical security at Finnish bases.
- Aircraft Needs: The F-35’s larger size and heavier weight compared to the Hornet mean maintenance hangars and other structures need to be reinforced and expanded.
“These requirements aren’t just about meeting NATO standards,” Keränen said. “They’re about ensuring that we can operate the F-35 in every scenario, from peacetime to extended conflicts.”
Balancing Costs and Priorities
As the F-35 program progresses, costs for infrastructure upgrades have risen, driven by inflation, raw material prices, and more detailed planning. Despite these challenges, the FDF is committed to staying within the overall program budget. Adjustments are being made where necessary to keep spending in check without compromising safety or readiness.
“Costs have gone up, there’s no denying that,” Keränen admitted. “Inflation and rising prices for things like raw materials have forced us to rethink some plans. But we’re keeping a close eye on expenses and adjusting as needed. Safety always comes first. If we were to cut corners on things like personnel facilities, for example, it could hurt employee satisfaction and morale, and that’s just not an option.”
Moving Forward
As of now, everything seems to be on track. Keränen remains optimistic about the road ahead. “
The schedule is ambitious, no doubt about it,” he said. “But we’re staying on top of things, and I’ve assured the Commander of the Defense Forces that we’ll meet our targets. There’s a lot of work left to do, but I’m confident in our team and the progress we’ve made.”
With the first jets set to arrive in just a few years, the F-35 program is quickly becoming a reality for Finland. And with the infrastructure upgrades, advanced training, and weaponry coming together, the Finnish Air Force is gearing up for a major leap forward in capability and readiness.
The Finnish Defense Forces are already getting hands-on experience with integrating the F-35 into their operations, under the guidance of Defense Command Finland. This process is part of the FDF’s broader strategic plans, and it’s not just about getting new planes, it’s about updating systems across the board. For example, they’re modifying command and control systems to ensure the Air Force’s F-35s can work seamlessly with Army and Navy units. This kind of coordination is also being tested in joint exercises.
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One recent drill, the Joint Fires Event, held in August by the Satakunta Air Wing, showcased how well the F-35s from Norway and the U.S. can work alongside Finland’s existing F/A-18 Hornets, as well as Army and Navy assets. In one scenario, the F-35s provided target data to an Army heavy rocket launcher while the Hornets fired JASSM missiles at the same time. These exercises have received great feedback from Finland’s allies, highlighting the F-35’s ability to share real-time information across different military branches.
This ability to fuse sensor data and distribute it instantly gives the F-35 an edge. Whether it’s providing live intelligence or directing weapons systems from various branches, the fighter allows decisions to be made in seconds, a crucial advantage in modern warfare. As one official put it, the massive flow of data from the F-35 isn’t just useful in the moment; it also contributes to long-term intelligence work. This is exactly the same thing the Italian Air Force F-35 32nd Wing Commander Col. Davide Marzinotto told us in 2018, reflecting on the first few years of operations with the Lightning II.
Training for F-35 integration is happening both in simulators and in the field. The Satakunta Air Wing recently received state-of-the-art FENIX simulators, which can connect to NATO and national training systems. These simulators make it possible to practice joint operations with ground-based air defenses, Navy vessels, and artillery units, all in a virtual space. This kind of training is expected to ramp up significantly, compared to what’s done with the Hornet fleet.
Broader Roles and Missions for the Finnish Air Force
The F-35 itself is a game-changer. Its advanced weaponry, including long-range missiles and glide bombs, allows for a wider variety of missions than the Hornet could manage. It’s better equipped for everything from intercepting cruise missiles to targeting moving vehicles. The F-35’s superior sensors and data-sharing capabilities will also shake up how fighter units operate. In the future, every pilot in a formation will need to handle multiple roles and switch tasks on the fly, whether it’s jamming enemy systems, engaging air-to-air threats, or striking ground targets.
Even the support roles will evolve. Maintenance crews, for instance, will start using lifting equipment more often as the new weapons systems are more complex to handle than those on the Hornets. However, for conscripts and reservists, not much will change. They’ll still have similar responsibilities, and their transition to working with the F-35 will follow a familiar training model. Conversion training for reservists, based on lessons from the Hornet era, is set to kick off around 2027-2028.
A Phased Approach to FOC
The first F-35s will arrive in Finland in late 2026, marking the beginning of a transition where the F-35 and Hornet fleets will operate side by side. According to Major General Keränen, this overlap period will allow Finland to maximize the benefits of both platforms. By 2028, the F-35s are expected to reach their IOC (initial operational capability), with FOC projected a few years later. The program also includes plans to keep the fleet updated with the latest technology, ensuring the jets remain cutting-edge well into the 2060s.
Strengthening NATO and Nordic Collaboration
Joining the F-35 user community has opened doors for Finland to deepen its ties with NATO allies and neighboring Nordic countries. The concept of “cross-servicing,” where different nations’ aircraft can be supported at each other’s bases, is already being put into practice. For instance, during the Baana 24 exercise, Finnish crews worked with German Eurofighters, learning how to refuel and maintain them.
This kind of collaboration extends beyond logistics. Finnish pilots and officers are participating in regular meetings with their NATO and F-35 counterparts, exchanging tips and lessons learned. Nordic partnerships are also thriving. Norwegian pilots are now training in Finland, with plans to evaluate how their Finnish training compares to U.S.-based programs. These bonds not only boost military readiness but also foster long-lasting connections among personnel.
Looking Ahead
As Major General Keränen prepares to retire, he’s confident about the Air Force’s future. Under his leadership, the F-35 program and NATO integration have made solid progress, and he’s optimistic that his successor, Brigadier General Timo Herranen, will keep the momentum going. Reflecting on his career, Keränen highlighted milestones like beginning on the MiG-21BIS then transitioning to the Hornet fleet in the 1990s and leading Finland’s first international missions. But for him, the most rewarding part of the job has always been the camaraderie within the Finnish Air Force.
H/T to StratMil for the heads-up!
