Create a free starter account, or log in.

Get access to four free articles per month, as well as our Decisive Edge Newsletters and Daily News Bulletin.

Email Address

Password

Forgot your password? Reset by clicking here

Create a Password

[[ req.met ? '✓' : '•' ]] [[ req.text ]]

Re-enter Password

Passwords do not match

First Name

Last Name

Country

Confirm your account

Please enter the four-digit pin below that has been emailed to you.

Didn't receive the pin yet?

This pin expires in 20 minutes.

[[ error ]]

By creating an account, you agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Stay informed with Shephard's award-winning journalism. Unlock unlimited access and in-depth analysis with a corporate or individual subscription.

Explore your options here

Lockheed Martin fighter dominance reaches new heights with Finland F-35 selection

13th December 2021 - 15:52 GMT | by Tim Martin in Belfast

RSS

The F-35A continues to dominate European fighter procurements. (Photo: Norwegian MoD)

Following local media reports that Finland had selected the F-35 as the winner of HX, official confirmation now means Lockheed Martin has an even tighter grip on the European fighter market.

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

Already have an account? Log in