President Stubb names Finland's first F-35 fighter jet “Sisu”
President of the Republic Alexander Stubb has given Finland's first F-35 fighter jet the name "Sisu." The naming ceremony was held in the United States, where the Finnish Air Force's new aircraft were manufactured. The name is traditional and describes Finnish perseverance, which fits well with the modernization of the country's defense.
F-35 fighter jets will replace the Finnish Air Force's current Hornet fighters in the coming years. The new aircraft are technologically highly advanced and will significantly improve Finland's ability to monitor and protect its airspace. The fighter procurement is one of the largest defense investments in Finnish history.
The first aircraft are intended primarily for training purposes in the United States, where Finnish pilots and maintenance personnel are learning to operate the new equipment. The first F-35 fighters are expected to arrive in Finland at the Lapland Air Command in Rovaniemi in 2026.
The choice of the name Sisu is a symbolic act that emphasizes Finland's commitment to national security in a changed global situation. The arrival of the fighters in Finland is an important milestone in the development of the country's defense capabilities and in cooperation with international partners.