Patria Builds Factory in Finland for F-35 Engine Assembly

Patria has received a new F-35 engine assembly and maintenance facility in Linnavuori, Nokia, following its completion on schedule by Defence Properties Finland.

As a strategic partner of the Finnish Defence Forces, Patria will assemble, maintain, and service F135 engines for Finland’s F-35 fighters.

The facility will first handle F135 engine assembly before transitioning to maintenance and overhaul operations. It was built under the F-35 programme’s industrial cooperation between Finland’s Ministry of Defence and engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney.

Finland’s first F-35A aircraft are set to arrive at the Lapland Air Wing base in Rovaniemi by the end of 2026, with maintenance continuing in Nokia throughout the fleet’s lifecycle.

Under a 2024 agreement with Pratt & Whitney, Patria will assemble F135 engines and components between 2025 and 2030, then shift to Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul and Upgrade (MRO&U) work from 2030. The project will employ about 50 people during the production phase.

Alongside the production halls, new infrastructure and transport routes were developed in Linnavuori to support operations.