Infrastructure construction for F-35 fighters at Rovaniemi air base is progressing apace
The construction and modification of the infrastructure of Lapland Air Wing has progressed on plan, and the Air Command is preparing for the reception of the first Finnish F-35 fighters in late 2026. A significant milestone in the construction work was reached on 2 October, when the construction project celebrated a traditional “tarring ceremony” to mark reaching the deepest point of excavation work.
The Finnish Air Force is developing its bases as a whole, and a key reason for the construction and modification is the introduction of the F-35 multi-role fighter. Air Force bases must meet the safety requirements of the multinational F-35 programme as well as national operational needs.
Defence Properties Finland is building shelter, maintenance, training and storage facilities as well as airfield structures for the F-35 fighters for Lapland Air Wing. Construction and modification work on the air base got underway in September 2023 and construction is expected to last until 2027.
Construction of the F-35 infrastructure complies with F-35 manufacturer Lockheed Martin and U.S. government regulations on the security of base structures. The construction plans have been regularly reviewed by the parties, and the U.S. administration conducts design reviews to ensure that the buildings and structures meet their requirements and those of the manufacturer. The work has successfully passed the inspections carried out so far.
“We’ve had and still have a relatively tight schedule for the construction and modification of the base, which requires flexible cooperation between the Finnish Air Force and Defence Properties Finland. Completion of the facilities and structures on schedule is crucial for us to be able to begin simulator and flight training and further operations of the F-35 as we have planned. I’m pleased that so far the construction has progressed on plan,” says Lieutenant Colonel Petteri Puusa, Chief of Staff at Lapland Air Wing.
In its capacity as partner of the Finnish Defence Forces, Defence Properties Finland is acting as the developer in the construction and modification of Air Force bases. Defence Properties Finland is responsible for the construction and maintenance of properties related to the multi-role fighters and for the provision of services in all security situations. In addition to new construction, the Rovaniemi base project includes renovation.
“Building the F-35 infrastructure is our most significant project and allows us to take full advantage of our core expertise in specialised defence construction and design,” says Matias Warsta, CEO, Defence Properties Finland.
Companies also play an important role in Finland’s defence construction, with Defence Properties Finland acting as the developer, while the actual construction is carried out by local, regional and national construction companies. Real estate and infrastructure for the F-35 fighters will be built at all Finnish Air Force bases during this decade.
For more information about construction, please contact:
Matias Warsta, CEO, Defence Properties Finland
tel. +358 29 483 1000
For more information about Lapland Air Wing, please contact:
Lieutenant Colonel Petteri Puusa, Chief of Staff at Lapland Air Wing
tel. +358 29 9800 (switchboard)
Release main photo: Major General Juha-Pekka Keränen, Air Force Commander, tars the foundation stone in the ceremony to mark reaching the deepest point of excavation work on 2 October. In the background is Matias Warsta, CEO, Defence Properties Finland. (Anne Torvinen, Finnish Air Force)
