The Air Force’s F/A-18 Hornets escorted the U.S. B-52 bombers to the Rovajärvi firing range. Photo: Finnish Air Force
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Two US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bombers conducted their first-ever air-to-ground bombing exercises in Finland on 6 March. The bombers, escorted by Finnish Air Force F/A-18 Hornet fighters, dropped guided JDAM bombs on targets at the Rovajärvi firing range in Lapland.
The exercise aimed to enhance joint fire operations between Finland’s Air Force and Army units.
Finnish and US Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) coordinated the strikes, ensuring they complied with Finnish safety regulations and standard operational procedures.
Brigadier General Aki Puustinen, Chief of Staff of Air Force Command Finland, said the operation demonstrated Finland’s ability to work alongside US forces in fire missions. He emphasised that cooperation with US strategic bombers strengthens NATO’s collective defence and deterrence in Northern Europe.
Since July 2024, Finland has been conducting joint training missions with US strategic bombers in its airspace. Finnish Hornet fighters have also participated in US-led Bomber Task Force exercises in Sweden and Estonia this year, reinforcing Finland’s role within NATO’s defence strategy.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
