The Finnish Air Force will carry out training missions with F-16 fighters of the U.S. Air National Guard, focusing on air combat training from 26 February to 2 March. The flight operations will take place in Finnish and international airspace.
The participating F-16 fighters belong to the Ohio Air National Guard 180th Wing 112th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron which are deployed to Ämari air base, Estonia. The Finnish Air Force will be represented by F/A-18 Hornet multirole fighters and Hawk jet trainers, a total of ten aircraft.
The flight operations will be conducted on weekdays between 8 am and 6 pm, mostly in designated exercise areas located in Southern Finland. Although the F-16s will mainly be using Ämari air base during the exercise.
The Finnish Air Force has flown training missions with Baltic-based detachments since 2015. In addition to the U.S. Armed Forces, the training missions have been participated by aircraft representing the Royal Air Force and the French and German Air Forces as well as detachments of the Swedish Air Force operating from their domestic bases.
International co-operation improves Finland’s defence capability and is part of the daily activities of the Air Force. The United States is an important partner for Finland, and training with the U.S. National Guard gives us an opportunity to draw best practices and share experiences.
Further information: Tomi Böhm, LtCol, Commander of Fighter Squadron 31, Karelia Air Command, tel. +358 299 800 (operator)
