Two U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II jets made history by executing a landing on a highway in Finland as part of the Finnish Air Force’s annual road base exercise, BAANA 2024. The two jets were assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, U.K., and their maneuvers demonstrated advancements in NATO Alliance’s ability to deploy air power from unconventional locations. BAANA 24 is an annual exercise that aims to train the Finnish Air Force to be able to quickly disperse aircraft across Finland from outside their main operating bases in case of emergency. The main objective is to practice take-offs and landings at a road base.
Finland recently extended the closure of its Russian border due to migration concerns. The two F-35s participating in the Finnish Air Force exercises aimed at better integrating allied forces. General James Hecker, the commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa, praised the successful landing of the fifth-generation F-35 on a European highway as a testament to the growing relationship and interoperability with Finnish Allies. He emphasized that learning from Finnish counterparts enhances their ability to rapidly deploy and employ air power from unconventional locations, reflecting the readiness and agility of the forces involved.
After joining NATO in 2023, Finland has been providing U.S. Airmen with opportunities to learn from each other. Finnish Air Force was one of the nine national air forces that participated in an air superiority exercise in Ramstein, Germany in June. During this event, pilots engaged in air combat simulations using their aircraft. The training exercises and joint activities with the Finnish Air Force have been instrumental in strengthening the partnership between Finland and the U.S., as well as enhancing the skills and capabilities of the participating forces.
The annual road base exercises of the Finnish Air Force are crucial in preparing for battle scenarios from various locations across Finland. By training outside their main operating bases, the Finnish Air Force ensures that they are ready to disperse aircraft quickly in case of a crisis. The recent landing of the F-35 jets on a highway in Finland demonstrates the commitment of both Finnish and U.S. forces to enhancing their collective readiness and ability to deploy air power effectively in unconventional settings. The exercises also promote better integration among allied forces, showcasing the strong relationship and interoperability within the NATO Alliance.
Putin has made threats against Finland after its decision to join NATO, stating that the country will face “problems” for being “dragged into NATO.” However, Finland’s accession to NATO has provided significant opportunities for collaboration and learning between Finnish and U.S. forces. The recent activities involving the Finnish Air Force in joint exercises and training events have further strengthened the partnership and mutual understanding between the two nations. The participation of Finnish pilots in air combat simulations and integration exercises has been a valuable experience for both sides in enhancing their interoperability and combat readiness in challenging environments.
Overall, the landing of U.S. F-35 jets on a highway in Finland for the annual road base exercises highlights the close cooperation and strong partnership between the Finnish and U.S. Air Forces. The exercises demonstrate the commitment of both nations to improving their readiness and capabilities for deploying air power from unconventional locations. The joint activities also emphasize the importance of interoperability among allied forces within the NATO Alliance. Finland’s recent integration into NATO has provided new opportunities for collaboration and learning between Finnish and U.S. forces, further enhancing their capabilities and strengthening their relationship in the face of potential threats.
