The Finnish Air Force’s largest air exercise of the autumn begins today. Photo: Jouni Porsanger / Lehtikuva
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The Finnish Air Force began its largest air exercise of the autumn on Monday, deploying 50 aircraft and 1,200 military personnel across the country in coordination with Swedish and Danish forces.
The operation, titled Protective Fence 25, will run until Friday. It includes 30 Finnish F/A-18 Hornet fighters, Swedish JAS 39 Gripen jets, Hawk jet trainers, helicopters from the Finnish Army, and Hercules transport planes from both Sweden and Denmark.
Flights are concentrated over a wide area stretching from Rovaniemi to Vaasa and including the skies above Kajaani, Kuopio and Jyväskylä. In addition, cross-border operations extend into Swedish airspace over the Gulf of Bothnia. Aircraft are also operating from airfields in Oulu, Vaasa, and Kokkola-Pietarsaari, as well as from Kallax airbase in Luleå, Sweden.
Colonel Vesa Mäntylä, who leads the exercise, said the objective is to strengthen national air defence readiness and the Finnish Air Force’s ability to conduct large-scale aerial operations from dispersed locations. The scenario reflects Finland’s current wartime operating doctrine, focusing on high tempo and flexible responses under pressure.
The drills include both low-level flight and supersonic operations. Supersonic flights will take place above 10,000 metres and are confined to areas over land.
The Air Force has warned of increased aircraft noise and possible sightings of flares or “chaff” released by aircraft self-protection systems. These countermeasures may produce bright flashes in the sky or interfere with weather radar systems. All flight activity is scheduled to end each evening by 23:00 local time.
The Finnish Meteorological Institute has also issued guidance on recognising false radar reflections caused by chaff, which consists of small strips of metal used to confuse enemy radar.
The Finnish Defence Forces have described the exercise as a routine but essential part of peacetime training, ensuring joint operational capability with NATO partners. Units from Sweden and Denmark are participating under the broader framework of regional defence cooperation.
Air defence and electronic warfare units from the Finnish Army are also supporting the drill. Their involvement includes testing joint command structures and integrating multi-branch capabilities in scenarios involving simulated enemy air attacks.
Residents in affected areas have been advised that temporary increases in air traffic, noise, and unusual light phenomena are expected throughout the week.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
