Ilmataktiikka 22 is the largest live air exercise in the spring

All Finnish Air Force units will participate in the Ilmataktiikka 22 live air exercise on 2‒6 May 2022. The objective will be to train Air Force key personnel in tactically challenging scenarios.

Ilmataktiikka 22 will be the Finnish Air Force’s largest live air exercise in the spring 2022. The exercise will feature approximately 30 aircraft, including 24 F/A-18 Hornet multi-role fighters, two Hawk jet trainers, as well as transport and liaison aircraft.

‒ Ilmataktiikka 22 will offer an important opportunity to further develop Air Force tactics and air combat techniques. The main operating base for the fighters carrying out air defence duties will be Rissala, while Rovaniemi will host the aircraft simulating the adversary, says Exercise Director, Colonel Timo Herranen.

‒ The objective of the exercise will be to train fighter squadrons' and control and reporting centres' personnel in tactically challenging scenarios. Through continuous development that takes into account the operating environment, and through the training of our airmen, we ensure that we are capable to fight effectively in all situations, Colonel Herranen continues.

The tactically challenging scenarios of Ilmataktiikka 22 will include both low-altitude flights, and supersonic flights at an altitude of more than 10 kilometres. Additionally, the aircraft in the exercise will deploy countermeasures such as flares and chaff. Flares may be seen as momentary bright spots of light in the sky, and chaff may cause echoes on weather radar.

Besides Rissala and Rovaniemi, the fighters participating Ilmataktiikka 22 will operate out of Oulunsalo. The flight operations will take place in the area bordering on Rovaniemi, Kuusamo, Joensuu, Kuopio, Jyväskylä and Oulu. The exercise will begin on 2 May at 9 am and end on 6 May no later than 2 pm. Flight operations will be flown daily between 9 am and 8 pm.