The new assembly and maintenance facility for F-35 fighter jet engines has reached its highest point

The new assembly and maintenance facility for F-35 fighter jet engines has reached its highest point – the construction project strengthening security of supply of Finland’s fighters is progressing as planned

The construction of the assembly and maintenance facilities for F-35 fighter jet engines in Nokia's Linnavuori has progressed on schedule, and the topping-out ceremony for the construction project was held on 14 March, 2025. The new building project is part of the industrial cooperation of the F-35 fighter jet project. The assembly and maintenance facility, which will be completed in the fall of 2025, will improve the security of supply of Finland's future F-35 fighter programme.

The versatile facilities will be used by Patria, the strategic partner of the Finnish Defense Forces. The production facilities will initially serve as assembly facilities for the engines and later as maintenance facilities for the engines of the F-35 fighters. Maintenance activities will continue in Nokia throughout the lifecycle of Finland's F-35 fleet. The construction of the new facilities is managed by Puolustuskiinteistöt that is responsible for the properties of the Finnish Defence Administration.

"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 F35 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," comments Finland’s Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen.

There are no similar facilities in Finland. The new assembly and maintenance facilities are being implemented according to the goals and safety requirements set by the F-35 program and the American engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney. For industrial cooperation, it has been ensured that the buildings and structures meet the requirements for engine manufacturing and maintenance.

"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," says Matias Warsta, CEO of Defence Properties Finland.

"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," says Petri Hepola, Patria’s Chief Program Officer, F-35.

Patria signed an agreement in 2024 with Pratt & Whitney that covers the assembly of F135 engines and components between 2025-2030, followed by a transition to F135 engine Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul and Upgrade (MRO&U) operations, beginning in 2030.

Media enquiries and further information:

communications@patriagroup.com

Petri Hepola, Chief Program Officer, F-35, Patria, tel. +358 40 869 3760, petri.hepola@patriagroup.com 

Patria is a modern and international defence and technology company with over 100 years of experience. Through our top-notch experts and Through life capability, Protected mobility & defence systems and Battlefield & critical systems products and services, we ensure reliable operations for our customers and serve as a partner in critical functions on land, sea and air - when if is not an option. Patria has offices in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, Estonia, Latvia, and Japan.   
Patria is owned by the State of Finland (50.1%) and Norwegian Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS (49.9%). Patria owns 50% of Nammo, and together these three companies form a leading Nordic defence partnership.  
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