NATO’s historic F-35A highway landing showcases military flexibility, Nordic cooperation, and enhanced survivability strategies in modern warfare

Norwegian F-35A Stealth Jets Land on Finnish Highway

^{Credit: Google | Norwegian F-35A Stealth Jets}

In a groundbreaking display of military capability and cooperation, Norwegian F-35A stealth fighter jets recently made history by landing on a highway in Finland, marking the first-ever instance of such an event. This exercise not only demonstrated the versatility of the F-35A but also highlighted the importance of dispersal strategies for modern militaries concerned about the vulnerability of traditional airbases and runways.

The Royal Norwegian Air Force successfully executed this remarkable feat during a joint training exercise with Finnish F-18s.

Two F-35A jets touched down on a Finnish highway, where they were promptly refueled while their engines were running, a technique known as “hot-pit refueling”. This achievement has far-reaching implications for the defense capabilities of both Norway and its NATO ally, Finland.

Two Royal Norwegian Air Force jets, F-35A Lockheed Martins, landed on a motorway for the first time, in Tervo, Finland, as part of a military exercise https://t.co/jJb4sPrrnN pic.twitter.com/HAvLyft3lQ
— Reuters (@Reuters) September 22, 2023

Major General Rolf Folland, chief of the Royal Norwegian Air Force, described this milestone as not only significant for his country but also for the Nordic region and NATO as a whole. He emphasized that this exercise showcased their ability to implement a concept of dispersal, increasing survivability during wartime scenarios.

While this highway landing marked a first for the F-35A variant, the concept of utilizing highways as alternative airstrips is not entirely novel. The U.S. military has been incorporating such strategies as part of its Agile Combat Employment efforts to ensure that air power remains resilient and less susceptible to enemy attacks on fixed airbases.

Norwegian military officials lauded the F-35A’s advanced capabilities while acknowledging its limitations, particularly its need for regular refueling, rearming, and ground support. This collaboration with Finland, a NATO member, signifies a deepening partnership aimed at enhancing their collective defense strategies.

Finland’s strategic importance, with an 810-mile border shared with Russia, underscores the necessity for adaptable military tactics. As a NATO ally and a nation planning to acquire 64 F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin, Finland recognizes the value of such exercises in ensuring national security.

The ability to utilize unconventional airstrips, including highways, is seen as a response to potential threats from adversaries like Russia and China, who could target traditional airbases in times of conflict. These demonstrations reinforce the idea that dispersing military assets across various locations, even unconventional ones, can significantly complicate enemy targeting and contribute to overall strategic advantage.

The landing of F-35A stealth fighters on a Finnish highway represents a remarkable achievement in military aviation, demonstrating the adaptability of modern air forces in the face of evolving threats. This event not only strengthens the bond between Norway and Finland but also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of innovative tactics in the realm of global defense and geopolitics.