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Finland signs F-35 fighter jet deal

Finland is buying 64 of the Lockheed Martin jets and weapons systems in a deal valued at 8.4 billion euros.

F-35A-hävittäjiä Floridassa.
File photo of Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II multi-role fighters. Image: STELLA Pictures/ddp/abaca press
  • Yle News

Finland's defence ministry announced that the formal purchase agreement for dozens of F-35 fighter jets was signed on Friday.

Finland is replacing its ageing fleet of Hornet fighter jets with 64 of the Lockheed Martin aircraft and weapons systems in a deal valued at around 8.4 billion euros.

The government approved the procurement of the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II multi-role fighters in December. The Hornet fleet is planned to be phased out by 2030.

The ministry said the defence forces' logistics chief Major General Kari Renko signed the procurement agreement for the F-35 system and air-to-air weapons system.

Meanwhile, defence minister Antti Kaikkonen signed the agreement on industrial participation related to the fighter programme with Lockheed Martin as well as Pratt & Whitney, the engine manufacturer.