Finland Unveils First F-35A Lightning II in Historic Rollout Ceremony

This article is based on an official press release from Lockheed Martin and additional industry data.

On December 16, 2025, the Finnish Air Force and Lockheed Martin officially unveiled Finland’s first F-35A Lightning II in a rollout ceremony at the manufacturers’ production facility in Fort Worth, Texas. The event marks a pivotal milestone in Finland’s HX Fighter Program, a €9.4 billion acquisition designed to replace the nation’s aging F/A-18 Hornet fleet and bolster the security of NATO’s northern flank.

The specific aircraft revealed, designated with tail number JF-501, represents the first of 64 stealth fighters ordered by Finland. According to defense sources, this jet successfully completed its maiden flight earlier this month, on December 8, prior to the ceremonial debut.

In a statement during the ceremony, Finnish Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen emphasized the strategic weight of the acquisition, particularly following Finland’s accession to NATO in 2023.

“Finland is a NATO member and committed to act as a dependable defence provider in the northern flank. We are investing heavily in national industrial capabilities through industrial participation…”

, Antti Häkkänen, Minister of Defence of Finland

Strategic Capabilities and NATO Integration

The delivery of the F-35A fleet is central to Finland’s defense strategy, which relies on high-end survivability and interoperability with allied forces. The rollout underscores the deepening integration of Nordic air defenses, as Finland joins neighboring Norway and Denmark in operating the fifth-generation fighter. This commonality is expected to create a unified “sensor mesh” across the High North, allowing for seamless data sharing in a region of increasing geopolitical tension.

Major General Timo Herranen, Commander of the Finnish Air Force, highlighted the operational necessities driving the procurement.

“In the Finnish operational environment, survivability, lethality and cooperation are imperative. The F-35 will deliver unmatched capability in all those areas…”

, Major General Timo Herranen, Commander of the Finnish Air Force

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According to the program timeline, the first batch of Finnish F-35s will remain in the United States for initial training. Finnish pilots and maintainers will be stationed at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, Arkansas, training alongside personnel from Poland, Germany, Singapore, and Switzerland. The aircraft are scheduled to arrive on Finnish soil at Rovaniemi Air Base in late 2026, with Initial Operational Capability (IOC) targeted for 2027.

Technical Specifications: Block 4 and TR-3

Finland is receiving the F-35A Block 4 variant, widely considered the most advanced version of the platform to date. These aircraft are enabled by the Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) hardware upgrade, which provides the computational power necessary for next-generation sensor fusion.

Based on technical specifications released regarding the Block 4 configuration, the Finnish jets will feature:

• Enhanced Computing: A new integrated core processor with significantly expanded memory and processing speed.
• Advanced Weaponry: The “Sidekick” modification, which increases internal carriage capacity to six AIM-120 AMRAAMs.
• Standoff Capabilities: Integration of the AGM-158B JASSM-ER and the Joint Strike Missile (JSM), providing long-range precision strike options.

Future upgrades are expected to include the AN/APG-85 AESA radar and the AN/ASQ-239 electronic warfare suite, critical for operating in contested airspace near advanced air defense systems.

Industrial Participation and Economic Impact

A cornerstone of the procurement deal is the Industrial Participation Agreement, which mandates that 30% of the contract value be reinvested into the Finnish economy. Lockheed Martin has partnered with Finnish defense contractor Patria to fulfill these requirements.

Under this agreement, Patria will play a significant role in the global F-35 supply chain. Responsibilities include the assembly of forward fuselages for 400 aircraft and the final assembly of the Pratt & Whitney F135 engines for the Finnish fleet. Furthermore, a heavy maintenance hub will be established within Finland to ensure independent repair capabilities and security of supply during potential crises.

AirPro News Analysis

While the technological specifications of the F-35 are well-documented, the specific application of these jets within Finnish doctrine represents a unique evolution of the platform. Finland is renowned for its dispersed operations doctrine, where aircraft operate from austere highway strips and secondary bases to avoid being targeted on the ground.

We observe that the Finnish Air Force is likely to push the F-35’s logistical limits, testing its ability to operate in harsh Arctic winter conditions with minimal ground support. If successful, Finland’s implementation of the F-35 could serve as a blueprint for other nations looking to maintain air power survivability in high-threat environments without relying solely on large, vulnerable airbases.

Sources

• Lockheed Martin Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from Airbus and additional technical data from public defense reporting.

German Navy Accepts First NH90 Sea Tiger Helicopter

On December 16, 2025, the German Navy officially accepted the delivery of its first NH90 Sea Tiger helicopters at the Nordholz Naval Airbase. According to an official press release from Airbus Helicopters, this handover marks the beginning of a significant modernization effort for German naval aviation, replacing the aging Sea Lynx Mk88A fleet with a dedicated Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) platform.

The delivery is the first milestone in a broader contract signed in 2020, valued at approximately €2.7 billion. Under this agreement, the Bundeswehr has ordered 31 Sea Tiger helicopters, with the full fleet scheduled for delivery by 2030. As reported by Airbus, the Sea Tiger is designed to serve as the primary shipborne combat helicopter for the German Navy’s current and future frigates, specifically targeting threats in the North Atlantic and Baltic Sea.

Modernizing the Fleet for High-Intensity Conflict

The arrival of the Sea Tiger represents a critical shift in capability. For decades, the Sea Lynx Mk88A has been the backbone of Germany’s ship-based anti-submarine operations. However, evolving threats on NATO’s Northern Flank have necessitated a more advanced platform. The Sea Tiger is based on the NH90 “NATO Frigate Helicopter” (NFH) variant but has been heavily modified for combat roles.

Stefan Thomé, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters Germany, emphasized the importance of this delivery for European defense capabilities.

“The Sea Tiger provides a powerful tool to defend Germany’s, Europe’s, and NATO’s borders. We are proud to deliver this aircraft on cost, on time, and on quality.”

, Stefan Thomé, Airbus Helicopters (via Airbus Press Release)

According to defense reporting by FlightGlobal and Naval News, the German Navy is targeting an accelerated operational timeline. While the full fleet is expected by 2030, the service aims to have the advanced “Step 4” configuration operational by 2029 to meet potential aggression scenarios. Captain Broder Nielsen, Commander of German Naval Aviation, highlighted the urgency of the program in public remarks, noting that the North Atlantic and Baltic Sea are the navy’s primary operating environments where they must be prepared to counter enemy submarines.

Technical Specifications and Capabilities

The NH90 Sea Tiger is distinct from the NH90 Sea Lion, which the German Navy already operates for Search and Rescue (SAR) and transport missions. While they share a common airframe, the Sea Tiger is outfitted with a specialized mission suite for high-intensity warfare.

Sensors and Weaponry

According to technical data released by Airbus and NHIndustries, the Sea Tiger features a maximum takeoff weight of 10.6 tonnes and is equipped with state-of-the-art systems for detecting and engaging underwater and surface threats:

• Dipping Sonar: The helicopter utilizes the Thales FLASH SONICS (or OTS-90 Mk II) active dipping sonar for deep-water detection.
• Sonobuoys: A pneumatic launcher system allows the crew to deploy acoustic sensor fields rapidly.
• Weapons: The platform supports MU90 Impact lightweight torpedoes for ASW and MBDA Marte ER missiles for Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW).
• Surveillance: A Leonardo LEOSS-T electro-optical system provides high-definition surface surveillance capabilities.

Performance Profile

The aircraft is powered by two Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322-01/9 turboshafts, offering a maximum cruise speed of approximately 300 km/h (160 knots). It has an endurance of roughly four to five hours and a range between 800 and 980 kilometers on internal fuel, allowing it to extend the defensive perimeter of its host frigate significantly.

AirPro News Analysis

Logistical Synergies: The decision to operate both the Sea Lion and Sea Tiger variants of the NH90 offers substantial logistical advantages. By utilizing a common airframe for both transport and combat roles, the German Navy can streamline pilot training, maintenance procedures, and spare parts supply chains. This commonality is crucial for maintaining high availability rates, a challenge that has plagued other complex helicopter programs in the past. However, the success of this strategy will depend on the reliability of the specialized mission systems unique to the Sea Tiger, particularly the integration of the new dipping sonar and tactical data links.

Operational Deployment

The Sea Tiger is designed to operate from the German Navy’s modern combat vessels. Due to its size, it is not compatible with the older F123 Brandenburg-class frigates. Instead, it will deploy from:

• F124 Sachsen-class (Air Defense Frigates)
• F125 Baden-Württemberg-class (Stabilization Frigates)
• F126 Niedersachsen-class (Future Multi-purpose Combat Ships)

The helicopter also features Link 22 tactical data link connectivity, ensuring secure, beyond-line-of-sight communication with other NATO assets, a requirement for integrated naval operations in the North Atlantic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Sea Tiger and the Sea Lion?

While both are NH90 helicopters, the Sea Lion is optimized for transport and Search and Rescue (SAR), replacing the Sea King. The Sea Tiger is a combat variant equipped with sonar, torpedoes, and missiles to replace the Sea Lynx for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare.

How many Sea Tigers has Germany ordered?

The German Bundeswehr has ordered 31 NH90 Sea Tiger helicopters.

When will the fleet be fully operational?

Deliveries began in December 2025, and the full fleet of 31 units is scheduled to be delivered by 2030.

What weapons does the Sea Tiger carry?

It carries MU90 Impact torpedoes for targeting submarines and Marte ER missiles for targeting surface ships.

Sources

• Airbus
• FlightGlobal
• Naval News

BAE Systems Secures $11 Million Contract to Upgrade KF-21 Fighter Avionics

BAE Systems has officially announced an $11 million contract award from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to supply advanced Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems for the KF-21 Boramae fighter aircraft. According to the company’s statement released on December 15, 2025, the agreement involves the integration of the AN/APX-127(V)1 Combined Interrogator Transponder (CIT), a critical avionics component designed to enhance the indigenous fighter’s interoperability and situational awareness.

The contract underscores the deepening industrial cooperation between the British multinational defense contractor and South Korea’s aerospace sector. As the KF-21 program moves through its production phases, the integration of NATO-standard identification systems ensures the aircraft can operate seamlessly alongside U.S. and coalition forces. BAE Systems confirmed that production and delivery of the units are scheduled for 2026, with work being performed at its facilities in Greenlawn, New York, and Austin, Texas.

Technical Specifications and Capabilities

The centerpiece of this contract is the AN/APX-127(V)1 CIT, which BAE Systems describes as a “drop-in” replacement for the AN/APX-126(V) currently used on KF-21 prototypes. This compatibility allows KAI to upgrade the aircraft’s avionics suite without requiring significant structural modifications, streamlining the integration process for the production block.

Advanced Identification Standards

According to the press release, the new system is Mark XIIB certified, meeting the latest U.S. Department of Defense and NATO standards. The system features Mode 5 and Mode S capabilities:

• Mode 5: This standard utilizes modern cryptographic techniques to provide secure, encrypted identification, significantly reducing the risk of friendly fire (fratricide) and improving resistance to jamming or spoofing in contested electronic warfare environments.
• Mode S: This mode facilitates interoperability with civil air traffic control systems, allowing for selective interrogation and reducing radio frequency congestion in crowded airspace.

Situational Awareness Upgrades

Beyond basic identification, the AN/APX-127(V)1 includes Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) “In” capability. This feature allows the KF-21 to passively receive position and flight data from other aircraft, thereby enhancing the pilot’s situational awareness without the need to emit active signals that could compromise the aircraft’s location. The system also utilizes multi-channel reception to passively acquire Mode 5 Level 2 data, further aiding in the rapid classification of friendly forces.

“The APX-127 Combined Interrogator Transponder will equip the KF-21 aircraft with state-of-the-art IFF to help bolster the Republic of Korea’s national defense strategy. This new system gives fifth-generation fighter pilots an edge in air superiority missions and allows them to maintain interoperability with U.S. and coalition partners.”

— Seth Guanu, Combat Identification Products Program Area Director, BAE Systems

Strategic Context: The KF-21 Program

The KF-21 Boramae is South Korea’s 4.5-generation multirole fighter, developed to replace the Republic of Korea Air Force’s (ROKAF) aging fleet of F-4 Phantom II and F-5 Tiger II aircraft. While the aircraft is indigenous, it relies on select international partnerships for critical subsystems, such as the IFF technology provided by BAE Systems.

With mass production reportedly beginning in mid-2024, the delivery of these upgraded IFF systems in 2026 aligns with the operational fielding of the initial production blocks. The adoption of an open-system architecture in the AN/APX-127(V)1 is intended to facilitate future software upgrades, mitigating obsolescence risks and reducing long-term lifecycle costs for the ROKAF.

AirPro News Analysis

The selection of the AN/APX-127(V)1 highlights a critical requirement for modern non-stealth and semi-stealth fighters: coalition interoperability. While the KF-21 is a South Korean platform, its primary strategic utility lies in its ability to integrate into a broader defensive network involving U.S. assets. By securing Mark XIIB and Mode 5 certification, KAI is ensuring that the KF-21 can participate in complex joint operations without being a liability in the identification chain.

Furthermore, the “drop-in” nature of this upgrade illustrates a prudent engineering approach. Avoiding airframe modifications to accommodate new avionics preserves the program’s schedule and budget, both of which are often volatile in domestic fighter programs. This contract reinforces BAE Systems’ foothold in the Asian defense market, positioning it as a key supplier for the region’s growing fleet of indigenous platforms.

Sources

Sources: BAE Systems Press Release