NATO member states are preparing to co-finance Finland’s ambitious programme to build new air bases capable of hosting Lockheed Martin’s F-35 stealth fighters. The decision highlights the Alliance’s increasing focus on the High North and its commitment to ensuring Finland’s rapid integration into NATO’s defence infrastructure, as reported by The WP Times.

Funding details under review

The final level of contributions will be decided by NATO’s Investment Committee, which oversees common-funded military infrastructure. Mattias Warst, Director General of the Finnish state-owned enterprise Defence Properties, said he expected the contribution to exceed €100 million. “The figure would be significant and would strengthen Finland’s position within NATO,” Warst stressed.

Finland’s Ministry of Defence, however, refrained from making forecasts on how much allied nations might allocate, noting that discussions were ongoing and sensitive.

Scope of construction

According to Yle, €100 million would represent roughly one-fifth of the estimated €500 million programme. The works will include:

  • hardened shelters for aircraft,
  • maintenance and logistics facilities,
  • secure storage for weapons and equipment.

These facilities are planned for three strategic locations: Rovaniemi in Lapland, Siilinjärvi in eastern Finland, and Tikkakoski in central Finland — all key nodes for air defence and deterrence on NATO’s northern flank.

Timetable and NATO approval

Earlier this spring, NATO gave its approval for almost the entire Finnish infrastructure programme, classifying it as eligible for common funding. Construction has already started at Rovaniemi Air Base, where the first F-35s are scheduled to arrive at the end of 2026.

Strategic background

Finland has ordered 64 F-35A Lightning II aircraft to replace its ageing fleet of F/A-18 Hornets, marking the country’s largest ever defence procurement. The deal not only modernises Finland’s air force but also ensures interoperability with other NATO members already operating the F-35, including Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands.

The investment reflects Finland’s determination to bolster deterrence against Russia following its accession to NATO in 2023. The High North — stretching from the Arctic to the Baltic Sea — is seen as a critical arena where NATO and Russia test each other’s military presence.

In April 2024, Finland’s Defence Forces Commander, General Janne Jaakkola, indicated that Helsinki was considering the stationing of allied NATO troops on Finnish soil, underlining the shift towards deeper integration within the Alliance.

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