U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II Makes Historic First Landing on Finnish Highway During NATO Exercise BAANA 2024

In a groundbreaking display of military agility and tactical innovation, two U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II jets made history by landing on a highway in Finland. The event, which occurred during Exercise BAANA 2024, marked the first time that the advanced fifth-generation fighter had landed on a highway in Europe. The exercise took place as part of NATO’s ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation and combat readiness among Allied forces, with Finland's recent accession to NATO providing new opportunities for integration.

The F-35 Lightning II jets, assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing based at Royal Air Force Lakenheath in the United Kingdom, demonstrated the U.S. Air Force's agile combat employment (ACE) concept. This concept emphasizes flexibility and the ability to operate from unconventional locations, such as highways or other austere environments, ensuring that airpower can be deployed rapidly and efficiently under various conditions.

A Milestone in NATO Operations

The successful landing of the F-35s on a pre-designated highway is a major milestone in NATO’s operational capabilities, highlighting the increasing cooperation between the U.S. and Finland. General James Hecker, commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa, praised the accomplishment, emphasizing the importance of the relationship between NATO forces and Finnish counterparts. "The opportunity to learn from our Finnish Allies improves our ability to rapidly deploy and employ airpower from unconventional locations," Hecker stated, adding that this success reflects the agility and readiness of NATO forces.

This landing was not just a routine training exercise but an illustration of how the U.S. Air Force and NATO are adapting to modern warfare's evolving demands. By utilizing roads as makeshift airstrips, forces can maintain operations even in scenarios where traditional airbases may be compromised or unavailable. Finland, with its vast network of highways, offers a unique environment for such training exercises, further strengthening NATO's strategic posture in the region.

The F-35 Lightning II: A Technological Powerhouse

The F-35 Lightning II is widely regarded as one of the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world. Its stealth capabilities, combined with state-of-the-art sensors, avionics, and weapons systems, make it an unmatched asset in both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat. Powered by the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, the F-35 can reach speeds of up to Mach 1.6 and has a combat range of approximately 1,380 miles (2,220 kilometers) without refueling.

The aircraft's advanced electronic warfare (EW) suite allows it to locate and jam enemy radars and communications, enhancing survivability in contested environments. Additionally, its ability to collect, analyze, and share vast amounts of data with other platforms provides real-time situational awareness, enabling pilots to make more informed decisions during combat. The F-35’s short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) capabilities, especially in its B variant, further enable it to operate from a wide variety of locations, including austere environments like highways.

Finland’s Role in NATO and Future Operations

Since joining NATO in 2023, Finland has become an integral partner in the alliance’s northern European defense strategy. With its proximity to Russia, Finland plays a critical role in enhancing NATO’s deterrence posture in the region. Finland’s extensive experience in operating under cold weather and challenging terrains makes it a valuable contributor to NATO's collective defense, and exercises like BAANA 2024 underscore Finland's readiness to collaborate closely with Allied forces.

Finland’s participation in these joint operations also serves as a learning experience for the U.S. and other NATO members. In June 2024, the Finnish Air Force took part in a multinational air superiority exercise at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, where nine nations’ fighter pilots engaged in aerial combat simulations. Such exercises continue to strengthen Finland's integration within NATO and improve the overall interoperability of allied air forces.

Looking Ahead: Agility and Preparedness

The historic highway landing of the F-35s in Finland highlights how NATO is evolving to meet modern security challenges. By increasing operational flexibility and practicing deployments in unconventional environments, NATO and its member nations are better prepared to respond to potential threats. The agile combat employment concept will continue to be refined through joint exercises like BAANA 2024, ensuring that NATO remains ready to deploy airpower swiftly, regardless of location or circumstance.

As NATO builds on this success, future operations will likely include even more innovative approaches to combat readiness. Finland’s contribution as a new NATO member, combined with the cutting-edge technology of aircraft like the F-35, is reshaping the alliance’s defense posture in Europe and beyond.