The Royal Air Force has deployed Typhoon FGR4 and F-35B Lightning
jets to Finland, and Typhoon FGR4 jets to Sweden, for integrated
fighter aircraft training as part of an increased presence in the
region.
The deployments, which took place over the last month at the
request of the host nations, allowed the partner air forces to
develop their joint tactics and strengthen their ability to
operate alongside each other.
Two F-35Bs and
four Typhoons conducted
high-end warfighting training with Finnish F-18 Hornets and
Swedish Gripen aircraft, underlining the UK’s commitment to
strengthening our collective defence capabilities.
The deployments are a practical demonstration of the mutual security
assurance declarations that the UK signed with these
nations in May, as they progress their respective
applications to join NATO. All three nations already work
together through the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force, which is a
coalition of 10 member nations who cooperate to maintain the
security of Northern Europe.
Secretary of State for Defence, , said:
Finland and Sweden are important defence partners and we welcome
their applications to join NATO, which will make the alliance
stronger as we face a renewed threat in Europe.
These deployments highlight our determination to enhance that
partnership and ensure our forces can work together seamlessly.
The F-35 deployment to Finland was only the second time that the
aircraft type has landed in the country, after two US F-35A
visited for an air show in June. The F-35B’s arrival was of
particular interest to the Finns as they recently announced that
they will purchase F-35 aircraft. The UK Lightning Force will
continue to develop their partnership with the Finnish Air Force
as they integrate their new aircraft.
Swedish Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist said:
The Joint Expeditionary Force contributes to regional security
and stability. Joint exercises, like the one here in Såtenäs,
strengthen our ability to operate together in response to a
crisis in our neighbourhood. This is particularly important in
today’s challenging security environment.
The fighter jets were supported by teams of specialists
from RAF
Marham and RAF
Lossiemouth. A Voyager aircraft from RAF Brize Norton also
provided air-to-air refuelling to extend the duration of the
combat sorties and an A400M Atlas deployed the support team to
Sweden.
Working with similarly advanced air forces such as the Finnish
and Swedish also provides an opportunity to learn from each other
and identify areas of mutual benefit. The deployed teams spent
time further integrating their systems, so that they can share
information quickly on the exercise and in the future.
These exercises are part of a series of bilateral and Joint
Expeditionary Force exercises planned this year at Finland and
Sweden’s request. Later this month the UK will deploy the F-35B
to Norway for further integration training with the Norwegian Air
Force.
The Typhoon Force also deployed aircraft to Konya in Türkiye for
similar integrated fighter training with the Turkish Air Force,
flying alongside Turkish, Pakistani, Jordanian and Azerbaijani
aircraft in simulated combat scenarios. The Typhoons forward
deployed from Romania where they are currently supporting the
NATO Air Policing mission.
