Finnish and Romanian fighter aircraft conducted joint flying training missions with a Romanian C-130 transport aircraft along the Black Sea shores, demonstrating close integration and cooperation, according to a press release.
Since 2014, Allied fighter detachments have regularly deployed to the Black Sea region, showcasing Allied cohesion and solidarity.
This training marks the first deployment of Finnish F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base near Constanța since Finland joined NATO in 2023. The Finnish aircraft are stationed in Romania for two months to support NATO’s enhanced Air Policing mission, as mentioned in the press release.
The Finnish pilots practiced intercept and escort manoeuvres with their Romanian counterparts, facilitated by a Romanian C-130 transport aircraft. This training aims to enhance pilot skills and improve interoperability between the forces.
A Romanian F-16 fleet, based at Borcea Air Base, also participates in NATO Air Policing, flying alongside Allied jets such as the Finnish F/A-18s, which reinforces NATO’s commitment to cohesion and solidarity.
“For the first time since Finland joined NATO in 2023, Finnish F/A-18 fighters are deployed at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base near Constanța for two months demonstrating their support to NATO enhanced Air Policing,” the press release stated.
The Finnish jets, alongside a British Royal Air Force Typhoon detachment and Romanian aircraft, are conducting sorties to patrol Allied skies in the region.
NATO’s defensive air mission in Romania and Bulgaria was introduced in 2014 in response to Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea. Over the past decade, Allied fighter detachments have been a constant presence in the region, highlighting the collective resolve of NATO members to deter aggression and ensure the security of Allies on the Black Sea.
Just over 15months since Finland joined NATO and they are able to operate away from their home base integrating with units from 2 other NATO countries. Pretty good going I would say.
It also suggests that the long standing association and cooperation between Finland and NATO has paid off. Recent naval exercises involving Sweden support that assertion, I think.
Overall, Finland and Sweden joining NATO is a strengthening of the Alliance and a blow to Putin, a point driven home by Finish F/A18 flying over the Black Sea.
Cheers CR
Absolutely agree, the Finns have a serious military, and have mauled the Russian bear in the past. The Swedes have a legitimate plan to expand capabilities. The Baltic is now essentially a NATO lake; Mad Vlad may appear unperturbed by recent events, but willing to wager that his admirals and generals have a different perspective, at least privately.