A state-of-the-art engine facility, critical for Finland’s new F-35 fighter jets, is now operational in Linnavuori, Nokia. Completed on schedule by Defence Properties Finland and handed over to defence leader Patria, this high-security hub will be the heart of engine assembly and maintenance for the Finnish Air Force’s flagship fighter program.
Initially, the facility will focus on assembling F135 engines, the powerful propulsion system for the F-35, under an agreement with manufacturer Pratt & Whitney. From 2030, its role will transition to comprehensive maintenance, repair, and overhaul work, supporting the fleet throughout its entire lifecycle. The first Finnish F-35A jets are scheduled to arrive in Rovaniemi in late 2026.
The project is a cornerstone of the industrial cooperation tied to Finland’s F-35 procurement. Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen emphasized its dual significance: “This is a concrete step in Finnish-US defence cooperation that strengthens our security of supply and creates skilled employment. It is a recognition of trusted Finnish expertise.”
Constructing a facility that meets the stringent security and technical standards of the F-35 program was a complex undertaking. “The project successfully passed all U.S. security inspections,” noted Matias Warsta, CEO of Defence Properties Finland. “Close cooperation allowed us to keep precisely to schedule.”
For Patria, the strategic partner of the Finnish Defence Forces, the facility marks a major capability leap. “The Linnavuori plant and our growing team play a key role in building new, critical capabilities for Finland,” said Petri Hepola, Patria’s Chief Program Officer for the F-35. The program is expected to directly employ around 50 people at Patria between 2025 and 2030.
Beyond the main production halls, the project included significant upgrades to local infrastructure and transport routes in the Linnavuori area. This establishes a long-term centre of excellence that will ensure the operational readiness of Finland’s air defence backbone for decades to come.
