A new assembly and maintenance facility for F-35 fighter jet engines has been officially completed in Linnavuori, Nokia, Finland, and handed over to the defense company Patria. Constructed by Defence Properties Finland, the state-owned property specialist, the facility was delivered on schedule and will serve as a critical hub for the F-35 program.
As the strategic partner of the Finnish Defence Forces, Patria is responsible for the assembly, maintenance, and servicing of the F135 engines powering Finland’s F-35A fighters. The facility’s initial role will be the assembly of engines, with operations set to begin in 2025. This function will later transition to comprehensive Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul, and Upgrade (MRO&U) activities starting in 2030, supporting the fleet throughout its entire lifecycle. The first Finnish F-35 aircraft are scheduled to arrive at the Lapland Air Wing in Rovaniemi at the end of 2026.
The project was executed as a key part of the F-35 programme’s industrial cooperation, adhering to the stringent security requirements mandated by the United States and the engine manufacturer, Pratt & Whitney. The facility successfully passed all U.S. security inspections. Finnish Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen emphasized that this industrial participation, led by the ministry, strengthens Finland’s domestic security of supply, creates employment, and is a recognition of trusted Finnish expertise. The direct employment impact at Patria is estimated to be around 50 people.
This development marks a significant advancement in defense and security cooperation between Finland and the United States, establishing Linnavuori as a vital center of expertise for the F-35’s global support network.
