Two F-35 fighters expected in Finland after one aircraft drops out

Two new F-35 fighter jets are expected to arrive in Rovaniemi later on Friday, Yle reports, after the number of aircraft expected was reduced from three to two.

According to information obtained by Yle, the jets could arrive in the early evening. The Flightradar24 flight tracking service indicated that they might reach Finland shortly after 5pm, if the plans remained unchanged.

The Finnish Air Force has not commented on the progress of the flight or confirmed when the aircraft will arrive.

About 20 people, including plane spotters, had gathered at around 4pm to await the jets, with more people continuing to arrive. Esa Elf, a former teacher on an aircraft maintenance programme at Rovaniemi Airport, was among those waiting. He has previously worked as a mechanic on Draken fighter jets.

The aircraft were also expected in Rovaniemi on Thursday, but did not arrive.