The F-35A continues to dominate European fighter procurements. (Photo: Norwegian MoD)
Finland has selected Lockheed Martin’s F-35 for the country’s €9.4 billion ($10.9 billion) HX programme, bolstering the manufacturer’s remarkable European procurement track record.
The decision means Finland will now order 64 F-35A CTOL Block 4 standard jets to replace ageing Boeing F/A-18 C/D Hornets, with initial deliveries of the new aircraft set to begin in 2026.
Setting out the reasons behind the selection of the F-35A, Finland explained that the fifth-generation fighter was ‘the best’ in the category of military capability and met security of supply, industrial participation and affordability requirements.
‘The F-35 operating and sustainment costs
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Leonardo’s integration of Shield AI’s Hivemind software could enable its Proteus uncrewed helicopter to conduct independent anti-submarine warfare missions, supporting the Royal Navy’s plans for a future hybrid air wing.
By combining established manufacturing capacity with startup aircraft design, the partnership could offer an alternative approach to scaling military uncrewed aircraft production.
Poland is seeking to update its transport helicopters as part of a wider military aviation modernisation programme, with EU funding requirements and NATO interoperability key considerations.
Poland’s growing investment in UAVs highlights how recurring procurement contracts and continuous technological development can provide suppliers with sustained opportunities beyond initial acquisitions.
Saab is developing artificial intelligence (AI) agents for crewed and uncrewed aircraft, targeting potential operational deployment within months, while expanding its training capabilities, partnerships and ambitions for wider military applications.
Israel’s $1 billion Apache helicopter order highlights the continued demand for crewed attack aviation, while growing integration with uncrewed systems could shape future modernisation and procurement decisions.
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