Can Finland’s F-35 maintenance strategy ensure defence readiness?
Finland has been emphasising maintenance, readiness and availability of its F-35 jets ahead of delivery. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
As Finland gears up to receive its Lockheed Martin F-35A fleet, a meticulous focus on advanced maintenance strategies has taken centre stage, offering the prospect of enhanced defence preparedness in an evolving security landscape.
Finland has obtained the rights to establish a national sovereign capability to service and maintain its future fleet of F-35A fighters.
Patria, the Finnish armoured vehicle manufacturer, and the Finnish Defence Forces have signed a service agreement for the development of capabilities for the F-35 project concerning industrial cooperation capabilities. Finnish defence minister Antti Häkkänen has authorised the contract which has an estimated total value of up to €111.6 million (US$127.3 million).
The industrial participation capabilities will aim to ensure the management of the F-35 fighter jet’s maintenance reliability-critical skills and technology in Finland in both normal and state emergency situations.
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