Finland has deployed seven F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets to Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base in Romania, marking their first participation in NATO’s Air Shielding mission. This two-month deployment signifies a crucial step towards Finland’s deeper integration with NATO’s airpower capabilities.
Photo: Ilmavoimat
The Finnish detachment, led by Lieutenant Colonel Rami Lindström, will train and conduct real-world missions alongside Royal Air Force Typhoon jets and Romanian F-16s. They will participate in Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) duties, patrol flights, and joint exercises. This collaboration strengthens regional air defense and bolsters NATO’s collective deterrence posture.
The Air Shielding mission complements the existing Air Policing mission, which continuously monitors and protects Allied airspace. Air Shielding focuses on increasing fighter jet presence and ground-based air defenses in NATO’s eastern member states, particularly along the Black Sea coast. Finland’s participation aligns with NATO’s commitment to deterring potential threats and assuring the security of its eastern flank.
The Finnish detachment’s primary objective is to achieve full operational readiness within NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) system. In June, they will participate in exercise Ramstein Legacy, a major IAMD exercise hosted by NATO’s Allied Air Command. This exercise provides a valuable opportunity to refine interoperability and collaboration with other NATO air forces.
Lieutenant Colonel Lindström emphasizes the significance of this deployment for Finland. He highlights the opportunity to “hone and deepen” cooperation with the Royal Air Force and Romanian Air Force. Furthermore, operating from an Allied air base strengthens Finland’s capability to function seamlessly within the NATO air defense network. This deployment is a significant milestone for Finland’s growing relationship with NATO and its commitment to regional security.
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