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Two U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II aircraft from the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath executed a landmark landing on a highway in Finland as part of Exercise BAANA 2024.
The maneuver, conducted on Wednesday, marks the first time fifth-generation F-35 aircraft have landed on a European highway.
The Air Force said in a release that this demonstration highlights NATO’s evolving ability to conduct operations from unconventional locations, showcasing the U.S. Air Force’s Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept.
General James Hecker, commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa, hailed the exercise as a key milestone in strengthening NATO’s operational flexibility. “The successful first-ever landing of our fifth-generation F-35 on a highway in Europe is a testament to the growing relationship and close interoperability we have with our Finnish Allies,” Hecker said. “The opportunity to learn from our Finnish counterparts improves our ability to rapidly deploy and employ air power from unconventional locations and reflects the collective readiness and agility of our forces.”
Finland, which became a NATO member in 2023, has played a growing role in enhancing the alliance’s capabilities. The highway landing builds on months of joint exercises, including a 1v1 air superiority drill in June, where Finnish pilots joined eight other NATO air forces in aerial combat simulations held at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.
The use of highways as makeshift airstrips is a critical component of the ACE concept, which emphasizes the ability to operate from austere and decentralized locations. The success of the exercise underscores NATO’s preparedness to adapt to complex environments and enhances its overall defensive posture.
As the alliance continues to evolve, the close coordination between U.S. and Finnish forces will remain a cornerstone of regional security in Northern Europe.
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