Finnish Defence Forces

Finland has received its first Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, presented at an arrival ceremony in Rovaniemi, marking the start of the aircraft's permanent deployment in the country. The delivery begins Finland's transition to the stealth jets under its defence procurement programme, with the Finnish Defence Forces confirming the milestone.

A claim circulating in Finnish and European political discussion argues that people must seriously consider what will be one of Europe's strongest future security guarantees, and contends that it is the Ukrainian army — described as the most modern military force. The argument frames Ukraine's battle-hardened forces as central to European defence thinking amid ongoing concern over Russia, prompting debate about Europe's reliance on Ukrainian military experience and capability.