First Finnish Air Force F-35 Lightning II Arrives at Ebbing Air National Guard Base

[littlemissmartypants]

260120-Z-SO717-1130
The first Finnish Air Force (FINAF) F-35A Lightning ll arrives at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Fort Smith, Ark. on Jan. 20, 2026. This marks a significant milestone in the security partnership between the United States and Finland. Over the next two years, approximately 18 FINAF pilots will undergo extensive training, with the program expected to conclude by Sept. 2027. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Patricia Teare) Published Jan. 22, 2026
By Dan Hawkins

Air Education and Training Command

EBBING AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ark. - The first Finnish Air Force (FINAF) F-35A Lightning II landed here Jan. 20, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the security partnership between the United States and Finland. Over the next two years, approximately 20 FINAF pilots will undergo extensive training, with the program expected to conclude by February 2028.

"We are incredibly excited to welcome our Finnish partners to Ebbing,” said Col. Nicholas "Matrix" Ihde, 85th Fighter Group commander. “This program is about more than just training; it's about building foundational relationships and enhancing our collective deterrence. Having the Finnish pilots train here, alongside our forces, strengthens interoperability and sends a powerful message of unity."

The arrival kicks off a comprehensive training program for Finnish pilots and maintenance personnel, scheduled to begin in May 2026 on the 5th-generation fighter jet.

"This is a historic day for the Finnish Air Force," said Col. Elonheimo, chief of the Foreign Liaison Office of the Finnish F-35 Programme and senior Finnish representative at the event. "Taking delivery of our first F-35 and beginning our training here at Ebbing is a critical step in enhancing interoperability and strengthening our nation's deterrence and defense capabilities. We are grateful to our American partners for their outstanding support and hospitality. This US-led international F-35 joint training will forge a stronger-than-ever partnership and ensure our pilots and maintainers are masters of this exceptional aircraft, safeguarding our sovereignty for decades to come."
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https://www.ang.af.mil/Media/Article-Display/Article/4384983/first-finnish-air-force-f-35-lightning-ii-arrives-at-ebbing-air-national-guard/

[LiberalLovinLug]

1. "safeguarding our sovereignty for decades to come."

Unless they say a mean thing about Dear Leader. Then Trump can order them remotely shut down

Which is one reason, besides the ongoing bugs, and exorbitant price, that we in Canada are considering cancelling our order and going with the SAAB Gripen