NATO jets train motorway landings in Finland amid Russia concerns
Dutch and Finnish NATO fighter jet pilots have practised landing drills on a closed motorway in Central Finland in light of potential conflict with Russia.
The Royal Netherlands Air Force pilots, flying the state-of-the-art F-35 Lightning aircraft and their Finnish counterparts in F/A-18 Hornet jets, performed touch-and-go landings on the motorway near Tikkakoski Air Base. The joint training was scheduled from May 26 to May 30.
The exercises are part of the Finnish Air Force's annual Baana drills, aimed to address threats such as missile attacks on air bases.
Brigadier General Marcel van Egmond of the Royal Netherlands Air Force told PAP on Wednesday that the exercises implement the Agile Combat Employment. This military scheme, primarily developed by the US Air Force, enhances the chance of survival by dispersing forces to smaller, more mobile locations, including motorways.
Finnish military officials praised the effectiveness of this method, citing the ongoing resistance of the Ukrainian Air Force, which persists despite the largely destroyed military infrastructure.
Finland is currently transitioning from F/A-18 to F-35 aircraft. Poland has also purchased the F-35, with deliveries of 32 jets expected to begin in 2026. (PAP)
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