US and Finnish Forces Demonstrate Interoperability in Highway Landing Exercise
On September 4, 2024, an unprecedented event occurred during the Finnish Air Force’s Baana 24 exercise when two United States Air Force (USAF) F-35A Lightning II aircraft successfully landed on a highway in Finland. This operation marked the first time fifth-generation fighter jets have used a non-traditional airstrip in a NATO country, showcasing significant advancements in Agile Combat Employment (ACE) capabilities.
The exercise, which ran from September 2 to September 5, 2024, also featured participation from Finnish F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets, Hawk jet trainers, and German Eurofighter Typhoon jets. These activities underscore the Finnish Air Force’s strategy of dispersing flight operations across multiple bases to enhance survivability and strategic flexibility. This capability is integral to Finland’s mobile battle concept, ensuring readiness across varied terrain and operational conditions.
Highlighting the importance of these exercises, the Finnish Government emphasized the role of road base operations in pilot training. All Finnish fighter pilots are trained to operate from highway strips, which forms a critical component of their tactical training regimen. This approach not only enhances pilot skills but also ensures that the air force can maintain operational effectiveness under challenging conditions.
Strategic Importance of Agile Combat Employment
Agile Combat Employment (ACE) is a strategic initiative by NATO forces to ensure air power can be projected rapidly and flexibly, without reliance on traditional, fixed airbases which are vulnerable to attack. By utilizing highways and other austere environments as makeshift bases, ACE significantly complicates the targeting process for potential adversaries and enhances the survivability of NATO air assets.
During the Baana 24 exercise, the F-35A aircraft not only landed but were also refueled and relaunched efficiently. This operation, conducted on the Hosio highway strip in Ranua, demonstrated the USAF’s capability to execute complex logistical operations in non-standard environments. The successful deployment of such advanced jets from a highway strip highlights the growing interoperability between the United States and Finnish air forces, further cemented by Finland’s recent accession to NATO in 2023.
USAF General James Hecker, Commander of USAF in Europe and Africa, remarked on the exercise, stating that the successful highway landing is a testament to the strong relationship and interoperability between the USA and Finnish forces. He noted that these exercises provide valuable learning opportunities and enhance the collective readiness and agility of allied forces.
Looking Ahead: The Future of NATO’s Air Strategy
As threats evolve and the geopolitical landscape changes, NATO’s adoption of ACE practices is expected to play a pivotal role in future military engagements. The ability to operate from dispersed and unpredictable locations adds a layer of strategic depth and flexibility that could prove decisive in high-stakes scenarios.
The continued collaboration and joint exercises like Baana 24 not only foster a deeper understanding and integration among NATO allies but also ensure that pilots and ground crew are proficient in a broad range of operational contexts. Going forward, the integration of more NATO members into these exercises will further strengthen alliance capabilities and deter potential threats through a demonstrable show of unity and adaptability.