Finland has started assembling engines for new F-35 fighters. This is reported by the Finnish public broadcaster Yle.
The production was established at the new company Patria in Nokia in cooperation with the American engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney. The engines are assembled from modules, after which they undergo mandatory tests, Patria project manager Petri Hepola told Yle. Maintenance and support of Finnish F-35 engines in Nokia is planned at least until the end of the 2050s – for the entire life cycle of aircraft.
It is noted that the project creates about 50 jobs in Nokia is also part of a broader cooperation program: in the spring, Patria will begin assembling the nose of the fuselage and the production of landing gear flaps for the F-35 in the city of Yam.
The first Finnish F-35 will arrive at the airbase in Rovaniemi this year. It is assumed that the new fighters will replace the aging Hornet.
The launch of engine production is a key element of national defense capability, according to Finnish Air Force Commander Timo Herranen.
“Rovaniemi will become an important hub for the entire air defense of Northern Europe. There are a lot of things to do — you won’t be able to just stand and whistle “Finland”,” said Herranen, quoted by Rulehti.
As reported by EADaily, Russia is strengthening its military presence near the Finnish border not only because of Finland or its membership in NATO. This was reported in its review by MTV Uutiset with reference to Finnish military experts. The Arctic, the trajectories of nuclear missiles and strategic rivalry with the United States remain a key factor for Moscow, the publication says.