Finland F-35A Fleet Update
Finland - Finnish Air Force
| Date | Jan. 20, 2026 |
| Country | Finland |
| Force | Finnish Air Force |
| Aircraft | F-35A (F-35 Lightning II) |
| Change | +1 active, -1 ordered |
Description
Finland's first F-35A Lightning II multirole fighter (serial JF-501) arrived at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, Arkansas, on January 20, 2026. The aircraft was ferried from Lockheed Martin's Fort Worth facility by USAF Major Cole Kingsbery. This delivery marks a significant milestone in the Finnish Air Force's transition from F/A-18 Hornets to 64 F-35As. Approximately 20 Finnish pilots and 150 personnel will undergo training at Ebbing ANGB before aircraft deliveries to Finland begin in late 2026.
