Ilmavoimat's Lightning IIs

On 9 January 2023, the Finnish Ministry of Defence (MoD) revealed the future serials of the F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft.

Finnish serial numbers consist of a two-letter prefix identifying the aircraft type and a sequential number of up to three digits. The F-35As will receive the prefix (designation) JF, which stands for Joint Fighter. The sequential number range starts with JF-501 up to JF-564.

Two specific aircraft will receive special, unfortunately toned-down, tail markings. These will be JF-511 for HävLLv 11 (fighter squadron 11) with the Visentti (Bison) and JF-531 for HävLLv 31 (figher squadron 31) with the Ilves (Lynx). These squadrons are based at Rovaniemi air base in the north of the country, part of Lapin Lennosto/Lapland Air Defence Area, respectively Kuopio/Rissala in the east of the country, part of Karjalan Lennosto/Karelia Air Defence Area.

Back in January 2018, the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command communicated the programme outlines of the HX Fighter Replacement Programme (HX-FRP, stands for Hornet replacement with candidate X aircraft). In the final evaluation of the HX-FRP, the Lightning II met all the requirements of the security of supply, industrial cooperation and cost decision areas. So, in December 2021, the Finnish government authorised the Finnish Defense Forces Logistics Department to enter a procurement agreement with the US for acquiring the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II.

The acquisition includes 64 F-35A Block 4 multi-purpose fighters, large-scale and versatile armaments tailored to Finnish circumstances, as well as the necessary training and maintenance solutions, other ancillary systems and maintenance and servicing services until the end of 2030. The first Lightning IIs will be delivered to Finland in 2026. The Hornets will be replaced between 2028 and 2030.

Image by Ilmavoimat