In Finland, two US Air Force F-35s completed a historic landing on a highway.

The historic landing took place during the BAANA 2024 exercise.

In Finland, two US Air Force F-35s completed a historic landing on a highway.
In Finland, two US Air Force F-35s completed a historic landing on a highway.

On Wednesday, two U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II jets made history by landing on a highway in Finland during the Finnish Air Force's annual road base exercise, BAANA 2024.

The two US jets were assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, UK, and their maneuver showcased advancements in the NATO Alliance's ability to deploy air power from unconventional locations.

The Finnish Air Force conducts annual road base exercises, known as BAANA 24, to prepare for quick dispersal of aircraft across Finland if required. These activities enable the military branch to be ready for battle from any location, as stated in a press release from the Finnish military.

The objective is to do take-offs and landings at a road base.

F-35-street-landing-finland
Two U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath, U.K., make history by landing on a highway strip during the exercise BAANA 2024, Sept. 4, on Hosio Highway Strip, Ranua, Finland. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Scyrrus Corregidor)

The two F-35s participated in the exercises for better integration among allied forces.

"The successful landing of our fifth generation F-35 on a highway in Europe demonstrates the growing relationship and interoperability we have with our Finnish allies. This opportunity to learn from our Finnish counterparts enhances our ability to quickly deploy and utilize air power from unconventional locations, showcasing the collective readiness and adaptability of our forces."

F-35 landing on highway
During the exercise, two F-35s demonstrated landing and takeoff operations on the Finnish highway strip to practice Agile Combat Employment, which increases the ability of collective partners to collaborate and operate in a joint, high-intensity environment, improving readiness, responsiveness, and interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Tabatha Chapman)

Since Finland joined NATO in 2023, U.S. Airmen have had opportunities to learn from each other.

In June, the Finnish Air Force participated in an air superiority exercise in Ramstein, Germany, alongside eight other national air forces.

Air combat simulations were carried out by pilots using their aircraft during the event.

by Greg Wehner

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