Over 70 aircraft will take part in the maneuvers, which will take place in the airspace of the three countries, for a fortnight
The air forces (Air Force) of Finland, Norway and Sweden on Monday opened the international military exercises Arctic Challenge Exercise. This was reported by the press service of the Finnish Air Force.
For a fortnight, the maneuvers, which will take place in the airspace of the three countries, “will involve more than 70 aircraft,” the press service said. In addition to multi-role fighters, cargo planes and tanker planes have arrived for the exercise.
Norway will participate in the manoeuvres for the first time with F-35 fighters recently arrived in the Air Force. Finland’s participation includes 12 F/A-18 Hornet fighters and a number of other aircraft. In addition, the air forces of the Netherlands, Great Britain, Germany, Denmark, the United States and NATO’s E-3A AWACS tactical long-range radar detection and control aircraft are involved in the exercise. The aim of the exercise is to practice joint airspace operations.
“Due to the pandemic this year the number of participants in the manoeuvres has been reduced from what was originally planned,” noted the Finnish Air Force.
Aircraft and helicopters are stationed at air bases in Budo and Erlann in Norway, in Rovaniemi in Finland and in Luleå in Sweden. Flights are carried out over the northern regions of the three countries.
Arctic Challenge is a biennial exercise and one of the largest in Europe, first held in 2013. The manoeuvres are held under the auspices of NORDEFCO (Nordic Defence Cooperation). It was established in November 2009 by Denmark, Iceland, Norway (NATO members), Finland and Sweden. NORDEFCO’s tasks include joint development of defence technology, enhancing military education, and conducting exercises of different types of troops.