NATO trains for potential conflict with Russia on Finnish roads
NATO exercises are underway in Finland, where F-35 and F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets are practicing landings on motorways. This is in preparation for a potential conflict with Russia.
Key information
- NATO fighter jets are practicing motorway landings in Finland.
- The manoeuvres aim to prepare for a potential conflict with Russia.
- The exercises are part of the Agile Combat Employment doctrine.
Intensive NATO exercises are taking place in central Finland, involving Dutch F-35 and Finnish F/A-18 Hornet fighters. The pilots are practicing landings on closed sections of motorways to prepare for a potential conflict with Russia. These manoeuvres are part of the annual Baana exercises organised by the Finnish Air Force.
The exercises in Finland are a practical implementation of the modern military concept of Agile Combat Employment. This approach involves the dispersed deployment of combat forces, increasing their chances of survival during attacks on large air bases. This enables pilots to operate from smaller, mobile locations, such as motorways.
Dutch pilots arrived in Finland to gain experience in these types of manoeuvres, which were last conducted in the Netherlands 41 years ago. Brigadier General Marcel van Egmond of the Royal Netherlands Air Force emphasised the importance of these manoeuvres. "The exercises in Finland are a great opportunity to gain experience in this area," he told the Polish Press Agency.
Finnish experiences and the future
The Finnish Air Force regularly organises manoeuvres using roads as temporary runways. Lieutenant Colonel Sami Nenonen, the exercise director, noted, “We are very proud of what we do. Our goal is not only to survive but to fight.” Soon, Finnish pilots will switch from Hornets to modern F-35s, which is expected to significantly enhance their capabilities.
