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**Production Begins on Finland's First F-35A Lightning II Fighter Jet: A New Era for Finnish Defense**
In a significant milestone for Finland's defense capabilities, production has officially begun on the country's first F-35A Lightning II fighter jet. This marks the start of a new chapter in Finland's military modernization efforts, as the nation prepares to integrate one of the most advanced multi-role fighter aircraft in the world into its air force. The F-35A, developed by Lockheed Martin, is renowned for its cutting-edge stealth technology, advanced avionics, and unparalleled combat capabilities, making it a formidable addition to Finland's defense arsenal.
### Background: Finland's Decision to Acquire the F-35A
Finland's decision to purchase the F-35A Lightning II was the result of a comprehensive evaluation process known as the HX Fighter Program. The program was launched in 2015 to find a replacement for the aging fleet of F/A-18 Hornet fighters, which have been in service since the 1990s. After a rigorous assessment of various fighter jets, including the Eurofighter Typhoon, Saab Gripen, Dassault Rafale, and Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet, Finland selected the F-35A in December 2021.
The Finnish government signed a contract to acquire 64 F-35A aircraft, with deliveries expected to begin in 2026 and continue through 2030. The total cost of the acquisition is estimated at around €10 billion, which includes not only the aircraft but also associated weapons, training, and infrastructure upgrades. The F-35A was chosen for its superior performance in terms of stealth, sensor fusion, and interoperability with NATO forces, as well as its long-term potential for upgrades and modernization.
### The F-35A Lightning II: A Game-Changer for Finland
The F-35A Lightning II is the conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variant of the F-35 family, which also includes the F-35B (short takeoff/vertical landing) and F-35C (carrier-based) models. The F-35A is designed to perform a wide range of missions, including air superiority, ground attack, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), and electronic warfare.
One of the key features of the F-35A is its stealth capability, which allows it to evade enemy radar and operate in contested environments with a reduced risk of detection. This is particularly important for
