The construction of the new assembly and maintenance facility for F-35 fighter jet engines in Nokia’s Linnavuori has reached its highest point, marking a significant milestone in the development of Finland’s defense infrastructure. The topping-out ceremony for the facility took place on 14 March 2025, and the project remains on track for completion in the fall of 2025. This facility is a key part of the industrial cooperation tied to Finland’s F-35 fighter jet program and will play a critical role in enhancing the security of supply for Finland’s defense forces.
Strategic Role of the F-35 Fighter Jet Engine Facility
The new facility will be managed by Patria, the strategic partner of the Finnish Defense Forces. Initially, it will function as an assembly center for F-35 fighter jet engines, later transitioning to a maintenance facility. The maintenance operations will continue throughout the entire lifecycle of Finland’s F-35 fleet, ensuring long-term operational readiness. The construction is overseen by Puolustuskiinteistöt, which manages the properties of the Finnish Defence Administration.
“The maintenance and support capability of the F135 engines being built in Linnavuori, Nokia, and the resulting expertise in Finland strengthens the military security of supply of the F-35 system. Building maintenance capability domestically helps ensure that the Finnish Air Force’s F-35 fighter jet engines can be kept operational in all conditions,” said Finland’s Minister of Defence, Antti Häkkänen.
Meeting International Standards
The facility is being constructed according to the strict security and quality standards required by the F-35 program and the American engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney. This ensures that the facility meets the technical and operational demands for manufacturing and maintaining F-35 fighter jet engines.
Matias Warsta, CEO of Defence Properties Finland, highlighted the complexity of the project:
“The Linnavuori construction project involves an exceptionally large number of different parties, and we have regularly reviewed construction plans and progress with them. All American inspections have been successfully passed.”
Enhancing Finland’s Defense Capabilities
The establishment of this facility reflects Finland’s strategic goal of securing a self-sufficient and reliable defense infrastructure. The new facility will strengthen Finland’s ability to maintain and support its F-35 fighter fleet independently, reducing reliance on external suppliers and enhancing military readiness.
Patria’s Chief Program Officer for F-35, Petri Hepola, expressed confidence in the project’s progress:
“Cooperation in the Linnavuori construction project between all parties has been smooth, and we are progressing on schedule. At Patria, we are pleased and proud to be building and developing new F-35 fighter jet engines capabilities together, which today’s ceremony celebrates.”
Long-Term Partnership with Pratt & Whitney
In 2024, Patria signed an agreement with Pratt & Whitney covering the assembly of F135 engines and components between 2025 and 2030. After this period, Patria will transition to full Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul, and Upgrade (MRO&U) operations for F-35 fighter jet engines starting in 2030.
The successful development of this assembly and maintenance facility marks a significant step in Finland’s defense modernization, reinforcing the country’s capability to sustain and enhance its air defense infrastructure.
