Two Norwegian F-35As touched down on a motorway in Tervo, Finland on September 21 at approximately 04:00 PM local time.

Marking the first instance of a Lockheed Martin F-35A fighter jet making a landing on a highway.

“This is a milestone, not only for the Norwegian Air Force, but also for the Nordic countries and for NATO. This demonstrates our ability to execute a concept of dispersal. Fighter jets are vulnerable on the ground, so being able to use small airfields – and now motorways – increases our survivability in war. In addition, this is also a demonstration of the exciting development we have initiated within the military-air cooperation in the Nordic region,” stated Major General Rolf Folland, Chief of the Royal Norwegian Air Force.

While the US has previously conducted highway landings with its F-35Bs, those were STOVL versions (short takeoff/vertical landing) capable of near-vertical landings, distinguishing them from the F-35As involved in this recent event.

Major General Juha-Pekka Keränen, the Commander of the Finnish Air Force, emphasised the compatibility of the F-35 with Finnish operational methods, asserting, “F-35As operating out of Tervo road base verifies that the F-35 is suitable for the Finnish Air Force’s dispersed operations combat method.”

The significance of the Arctic region in terms of strategic maritime routes, resource access, and territorial claims makes it a priority for NATO. “With Finland’s entry into NATO and Sweden’s imminent membership, the Nordic countries have a particular responsibility for developing and coordinating NATO’s deterrence in the northern regions,” commented Norwegian Defence Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.

George Allison
George has a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and has a keen interest in naval and cyber security matters and has appeared on national radio and television to discuss current events. George is on Twitter at @geoallison

11 COMMENTS

  1. “ While the US has previously conducted highway landings with its F-35Bs, those were STOVL versions (short takeoff/vertical landing) capable of near-vertical landings”

    Hmme – I wonder what surfaces and *if* it was doing a vertical landing?

    I’d be amazed if they were doing vertical on standard tarmac given the known thermal and jet blast issues. So presumably was concrete or prepared?

  2. Er, when will these trials Finish?🤔(geddit?😁) I also hope the Finish on the road is at least 40 mpa concrete otherwise there is Nor way the surface will avoid damage!🤓
    psThe Swedes should also take part to sweden the deal

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