Nokia will have a key center for the F135 engines of the F-35
A crucial step: Finland develops local capabilities for the maintenance of the F-35 stealth fighter engines
The construction of the assembly and maintenance facilities for the F135 engines of the F-35 fighter jets in Linnavuori, Nokia is progressing according to the established schedule, with the final beam placement ceremony held on Friday, March 14.
This project is part of the industrial cooperation program related to the acquisition of the F-35 fighter jets. The assembly and maintenance hangar, which is expected to be completed by fall 2025, will contribute to the security and reliability of the maintenance of Finland’s future fleet of F-35s.
"The maintenance and support capability for the F135 engines being developed in Linnavuori, along with the knowledge gained in Finland, will strengthen the security of the military maintenance of the F-35 system. Having this capability at the national level will ensure that the engines of the Finnish Air Force's F-35s can remain operational at all times, under any condition," said Antti Häkkänen, Finland’s Minister of Defence.
Patria’s Role and Long-term Plans
The Defence Infrastructure Agency is responsible for constructing the new facilities, which will be operated by Patria, a strategic partner of the Finnish Defence Forces. For decades, Patria has handled the maintenance and repair of engines and components for various systems used by the Finnish Defence Forces in Linnavuori.
Initially, the facilities will be used for engine assembly, and later will support the maintenance of the F-35 engines. Maintenance operations in Nokia will continue throughout the entire lifespan of the Finnish F-35 fleet.
The new assembly and maintenance facilities are being developed in line with the objectives and security requirements set by the F-35 program and the U.S. engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney. For industrial cooperation, it has been ensured that the buildings and structures meet the necessary standards for engine manufacturing and maintenance.
Broader Infrastructure Development for F-35 Operations
The Defence Infrastructure Agency is also responsible for building the infrastructure and facilities necessary for the operation of the F-35s in Finland. This includes, beyond industrial facilities, the construction and renovation of air force bases across the country over the course of this decade. These works are being carried out by both regional and national construction companies.
The F135 engine assembly and maintenance capacity being developed in Linnavuori is part of the direct industrial cooperation under the F-35 program. In 2024, Patria signed an agreement with Pratt & Whitney for engine assembly and component manufacturing from 2025 to 2030, followed by a transition to Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul, and Upgrade (MRO&U) operations for the F135 engines starting in 2030.
Additional Key Industrial Cooperation Projects
Another major project within the industrial cooperation is the large-scale manufacturing of forward fuselages, landing gear doors, and other F-35 components at Patria’s facilities in Jämsä-Halli, alongside maintenance capabilities for these components.
The industrial cooperation under the F-35 program is primarily focused on developing independent maintenance capabilities, strengthening the security of supply and generating strategic knowledge within Finland’s domestic industry. The Finnish Ministry of Defence highlights that, from an economic perspective, this cooperation is highly significant for the country, estimating a direct impact on 4,500 jobs and an indirect impact on 1,500 people.
AUTOR
Apasionado por la aviación, la historia, la política y la defensa. Editor-in-Chief en Aviacionline Defensa, combinando estos conocimiento para ofrecer un contenido valioso sobre temas estratégicos y de seguridad.
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