Finland brings F-35 fighters into service as Stubb names first Sisu

Finland’s Air Force brought its new F-35 fighters into service on Thursday at the Lapland Air Wing in Rovaniemi, where President Alexander Stubb named the first aircraft Sisu, Yle reports.

The ceremony marked what Stubb described as the start of a new era. The first two aircraft had been flown from the United States. The Lapland Air Wing is expected to receive all its aircraft during the next year, as its Hornet fighters are phased out.

Low cloud initially prevented the planned flying display, but conditions cleared during the ceremony and the aircraft took off. Jaakko Sointu piloted the F-35’s first display flight.

The F-35 is expected to take on all Air Force duties gradually and to be ready for air combat if needed in less than a year. Its systems are also expected to help detect small drones flying at low altitude and provide coordinates for other forces to respond.

The first pilots and mechanics are receiving training in the United States, with training expected to begin in Rovaniemi later. The fighter programme is estimated to cost about 10 billion euros, covering the aircraft, weapons and construction at bases. Costs are expected to rise over the aircraft’s service life as systems are upgraded.