Nordic air force drills begin in Lapland

The manoeuvres are taking place at the Rovaniemi Air Base in northern Finland. Norway has deployed its F-35 fighter jets to participate in the drills. This is intended to allow the Finns to prepare the base for the arrival of this type of aircraft. Finland has ordered F-35A Lightning II multi-role fighter jets from the US, which are scheduled for delivery in early October this year. A total of 64 fighter jets have been ordered.

As part of the exercises, Norwegian F-35s will participate in joint training flights involving all three nations. Last year, Finland, Norway, and Sweden announced an initiative to establish a joint military aviation force for the Nordic countries. According to the plans, by 2030, the three aforementioned states, along with Denmark, will have over 200 next-generation fighter jets at their disposal, including F-35s and the Swedish JAS Gripen.

The F-35s ordered by the Finns will gradually replace the F/A-18 Hornet fighters, which have been in service for approximately 30 years. Norway has already replaced its old F-16s with new F-35s and possesses 52 such machines. Denmark is currently undergoing a similar process and is expected to have 43 F-35 fighter jets in the future. By 2030, the Nordic countries should be in possession of approximately 150 fifth-generation F-35 fighters. Meanwhile, the Swedish Air Force has approximately 100 Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighters at its disposal.