The construction of Finland’s F-35 fighter jet engine assembly and maintenance facility in Nokia’s Linnavuori has reached its highest point, with a topping-out ceremony held on March 14, 2025. The project, part of the industrial cooperation for Finland’s F-35 program, is progressing on schedule and is set for completion in fall 2025. The facility will enhance the security of supply for Finland’s future fighter fleet.
Patria, the strategic partner of the Finnish Defence Forces, will operate the facility. Initially, the site will focus on engine assembly before transitioning to maintenance operations for the Finnish Air Force’s F-35 fleet. Maintenance activities will continue in Nokia throughout the aircraft’s lifecycle. The project is managed by Defence Properties Finland (Puolustuskiinteistöt), responsible for properties within the Finnish Defence Administration.
Finland’s Minister of Defence, Antti Häkkänen, stated: “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.”
This facility is the first of its kind in Finland and has been designed to meet the requirements set by the F-35 program and the engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney. Compliance with safety and technical standards for engine manufacturing and maintenance has been ensured through industrial cooperation.
Matias Warsta, CEO of Defence Properties Finland, commented: “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.”
Petri Hepola, Chief Program Officer for Patria’s F-35 program, added: “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 capabilities together, which today’s ceremony celebrates.”
In 2024, Patria signed an agreement with Pratt & Whitney covering the assembly of F135 engines and components from 2025 to 2030. After this period, the facility will transition to Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul, and Upgrade (MRO&U) operations starting in 2030.