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Finland’s First F-35A Lands at Arkansas Base, Kicking Off U.S. Training Phase

The program builds an initial Finnish cadre across flying and maintenance with eight jets based at Ebbing before follow-on deliveries to Finland later in 2026.

JF-501 arrives at Ebbing Air National Guard Base on Jan. 20, 2026. (Image credit: Finnish Air Force)
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Overview

  • Aircraft JF-501 arrived at Ebbing Air National Guard Base on January 20, flown by U.S. Air Force Maj. Cole “Laser” Kingsbery and received by Col. Tuukka Elonheimo.
  • Finnish pilots are slated to begin on-site training in May 2026, with the U.S.-based program scheduled to run through early 2028.
  • About 150 Finnish personnel will train in the United States, including roughly 20 pilots and 80 maintenance staff, with academics and simulators at Eglin AFB and live flying at Ebbing.
  • The first eight Finnish F-35s (JF-501–JF-508) will remain at Ebbing for the training phase, with JF-509 and later aircraft planned for direct delivery to Finland starting in late 2026.
  • Training at Ebbing is led by the U.S. Air Force’s 57th Fighter Squadron, with Finnish maintainers learning from Interim Contract Support teams as part of the sustainment build-up.