Finland receives first batch of F-35 fighter jets amid heightened regional tension

Finland has taken delivery of its first two American F-35 fighter jets, marking the start of a 64-aircraft order signed in 2021. The delivery comes at a peculiar time, as increased tension exists in the region amid foreign incursions into international spaces, including a recent incident over the Gulf of Finland by Russian air vessels.

The deal ties Finland closely to the United States for essential support, including spare parts, software updates and ammunition, as defence outlets note.

The first jet was received by the Lapland Air Wing in Rovaniemi on September 18, 2026. 

Finnish news articles point out, however, that the handover takes place as questions are being raised over Europe’s dependence on US military capabilities and the future relevance of advanced fighter jets amid the growing role of drone warfare.

Coverage by Finnish media network Yle further highlights that the cooperation also means the aircraft could quickly become inoperable without continued American support. Recent conflicts in Ukraine and Iran have further prompted questions about whether sophisticated fighter jets such as the F-35 remain relevant in an era increasingly shaped by drones.

Washington’s abrupt policies of the past months have also prompted Canada, Switzerland and Portugal to reconsider their own F-35 orders, according to the article, fueling a broader debate over reliance on American military hardware.

Finland, however, insists it is not reconsidering its commitment to the F-35 programme. With Russia’s war in Ukraine continuing, Finnish officials argue that this is not the time to take risks with defence deliveries.

Experts have warned that Europe has developed major dependencies on US military capabilities, with the F-35 programme cited as a prominent example of this strategic vulnerability.

Finland selected the F-35A to replace its F/A-18 fleet under the HX fighter replacement programme. The €10 billion HX budget covers the acquisition of the aircraft, infrastructure, training and support from the rollout of the first aircraft in 2025 through the declaration of initial operating capability (IOC) in 2027 and full operating capability (FOC) in 2030. After that period, support and sustainment funding will move from the acquisition budget to the operations budget.

Finland’s accession to NATO following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine gives the delivery added geopolitical significance, as the Nordic country shares a long border with Russia.

The arrival of the jets coincides with an air mission by Finnish forces. On September 24, Finnish and Swedish fighter aircraft carried out a joint operational identification mission against Russian military aircraft for the first time, identifying a Russian air formation in international airspace over the Gulf of Finland.

By Nazrin Sadigova