Finland risks more expensive F-35 planes

TT

Published 13.57

 

Finnish Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen. Archive photo. Photo: Heiko Junge/NTB/TT

There is a risk that Finland will also be affected by an increase in the price of American F-35 planes, according to Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen.

Raw materials and components for military equipment have become more expensive due to, among other things, the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, according to the minister.

–This is noticeable in all defence equipment deals, and it is a factor that is also driving up the costs of the F-35. We cannot give any details yet, but we will certainly not be able to avoid it either, he tells STT.

Finland has prepared itself by building up domestic capacity for spare parts and maintenance of the plane, he points out.

Increased costs for the F-35 due to technical problems and inflation have attracted attention in the US and Denmark, among others. Finland has ordered 64 planes for approximately 10 billion euros, the first of which are due to be delivered this year.