RAMSTEIN, Germany – Finnish jets returned home on 29 July, 2024, concluding first deployment under NATO’s Air Policing and Air Shielding mission in Romania.
Seven Finnish Air Force F/A-18 Hornet fighters deployed to Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Romania on June 3, 2024 to commence their first major NATO mission since joining the Alliance.
The operation was interesting and rewarding
The Finnish deployment was carried out in three rotations and involved over 250 personnel from all Finnish Air Force units. Rotating personnel to capture as much experience as possible whilst operating under the direction of NATO's military command structure.
“The operation was interesting and rewarding. We will take home a lot of lessons learned about participating in a NATO mission and operating in a new environment.” said Major Toni Vanhatalo, Commander of the third rotation of the Finnish Air Force detachment.
“Being under the direction of NATO's command structure required some minor changes in the planning of flight operations, but we adapted well, and also gained some lessons for developing our operations at home. Cooperation with Allies was smooth and continuous training activity improved our capabilities” he added.
F/A-18 Hornet taking off and heading back to Finland on 29 July 2024. Photo courtesy of Finnish Air Force
Two Finnish and two Spanish F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets and a Spanish A400M. Photo courtesy of Finnish Air Force
Two U.S. B-52 Stratofortress bombers, two Finnish F/A-18 Hornets and two Romanian F-16s. Photo courtesy of Finnish Air Force
During deployment, Finish jets participated in exercise Ramstein Legacy 24 in Romania and Bulgaria. Photo courtesy of Finnish Air Force
Finnish jets were on quick-reaction alert alongside the Royal Air Force's Typhoon jets. The presence of F/A-18s and Typhoons supported the readiness of NATO's collective defence in the Black Sea region.
During deployment, Finnish jets participated in exercise Ramstein Legacy 24 in Romania and Bulgaria and worked alongside Romanian F-16s to train escort scenarios with the United States Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bombers. Further enhancing integration and interoperability.
NATO’s Air Policing and Air Shielding missions ensure collective deterrence and defence, protecting and securing the integrity of NATO’s airspace.