President to attend F-35 fighter roll-out ceremony in USA

President Alexander Stubb will attend the official roll-out ceremony of Finland's first F-35A multi-role fighter jet, ordered from the United States, in Fort Worth on December 16, said the President Office in a press release on Monday.

After the ceremony, the President will visit the F-35 fighter jet assembly line at the Lockheed Martin production facility.

Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen and Air Force Commander, Major General Timo Herranen will also be present on the occasion.

On December 15, the President will attend the opening of the Consulate General of Finland in Houston. In addition, the President will take part in a business seminar with Finnish companies in Houston, where he will deliver a speech.

In Houston, Stubb will be accompanied by a business delegation.

The F-35 Programme has a substantial impact on Finland’s defence capability and the Air Force’s combat capability well into the 2060s.

The first Finnish F-35 fighters will enter into service in 2026 as part of the training of Finnish personnel in the United States.

The first F-35 aircraft will arrive at the Lapland Air Wing, Finland, in late 2026.

Finland will buy 64 new F-35A Lightning II fighter jets from US manufacturer Lockheed Martin to replace its fleet of Hornet fighters.

In February 2022, Finland signed a deal to buy 64 new F-35A Lightning II fighter jets.