Construction work on the Karelia Air Wing’s F-35 infrastructure reaches the halfway mark
Defence Properties Finland is building shelter, maintenance, training and storage facilities as well as airfield structures for the F-35 fighters for Karelia Air Wing. Construction work, which includes both newbuild and renovation, at the Rissala air base began in 2023 and is expected to last until the end of 2027.
“F-35 infrastructure construction at the Air Wing has progressed to plan. This is important for our operations, because the various parts of the construction work are interdependent and the Air Wing need to be able to carry out its duties at the same time. We are currently at the most intense phase of construction. We aim to have the F-35 infrastructure construction work mostly completed during 2027, so that we are ready to receive the first F-35 fighters during 2028. The reception of new equipment and construction work will make the coming years hectic, but certainly interesting for the Air Wing,” says Lieutenant Colonel Samuli Tanttu, Chief of Staff at Karelia Air Wing.
Strict construction security criteria
Construction of the F-35 infrastructure entails strict security criteria and complies with F-35 manufacturer Lockheed Martin and US government regulations on the security of base structures.
The US administration conducts design reviews to ensure that the buildings and structures meet their requirements and those of the manufacturer. All inspections have been passed with flying colours.
“Finland has received positive feedback from its international partners on its ability to implement demanding infrastructure in accordance with the requirements of the aircraft manufacturer. We are considered as providing advanced technical solutions and ability to provide aircraft shelter. Close cooperation between the Finnish Defence Forces, Defence Properties Finland, designers, and builders has helped us in successfully implementing the project and staying on schedule,” says Matias Warsta, CEO, Defence Properties Finland.
Companies have an important role in defence construction
As a partner of the Finnish Defence Forces, Defence Properties Finland acts as a developer in the construction and modification of Air Force bases. Companies also play a significant role in Finland’s defence construction since the actual construction work is carried out by local and national construction companies.
The construction of infrastructure for F-35 fighter jets is the largest construction project undertaken by Defence Properties Finland. Other major investments include the development of shelter facilities, harbour construction for the Finnish Navy, and a repair programme for Finnish Defence Forces’ barracks.
The changed security situation in Europe has significantly increased Defence Properties Finland’s investments in national defence facilities. Annual investments were around €60–70 million a few years ago, but this year are estimated to increase to around €350 million.
For more information:
Defence Properties Finland, Matias Warsta, CEO, tel. +358 294 831 0005
