RAF Typhoon fighter jets land on Finnish roads in a dramatic exercise designed to test their ability to operate after a Russian invasion destroys their air bases
- ‘Russian aggression’ shows that aircraft must be ‘unpredictable’, the RAF says
RAF Typhoon fighter jets have taken off from a regular road during an exercise to test their ability to outsmart the enemy.
Two frontline planes took off on Wednesday and landed on the single-lane road in Tervo, Finland.
The strip is normally used for normal road traffic, but was designed for an emergency landing to support aircraft activity.
Vladimir Putin declaring war on Ukraine in a show of “Russian aggression” in Eastern Europe was one of the reasons given for the test because it demonstrates the “need to be able to disperse our aircraft and be more unpredictable.”
The RAF is currently focusing on ways to outmaneuver an opponent, survive an attack, disperse to remote locations and continue operating with minimal support.
Two frontline aircraft took off and landed on the single-lane road in Tervo, Finland. The Typhoons operated from Rissala Air Base and Tervo Road Base
The strip is normally used for normal road traffic, but was designed for an emergency landing to support aircraft activity
It was the first time RAF jets had flown during the Finnish Air Force’s annual flying training exercise, Exercise Baana.
The Commanding Officer of 41 Test and Evaluation Squadron was one of two pilots who took part.
He said: “This is an opportunity to work with one of our newest NATO partners on an Agile Combat Employment exercise.
“The Finns have worked hard for decades on a variety of operations should they be attacked and have to disperse their aircraft.
“Once we landed on the strip, we stopped for gas before taking off again. I couldn’t help but look around and think, “I’m sitting on a plane on a road in the middle of a forest in Finland.”
“That was pretty crazy and definitely a first.”
The co-pilot, Jim, called it ‘a major step forward for RAF Typhoon capabilities’.
A small number of RAF personnel were on the ground to refuel and maintain the aircraft so that they could continue to operate
The RAF is currently focusing on ways to outmaneuver an opponent, survive an attack, disperse to remote locations and continue operating with minimal support.
It was the first time RAF jets had flown during the Finnish Air Force’s annual flying training exercise, Exercise Baana. The Norwegian Air Force also took part for the first time
The Norwegian Air Force also participated for the first time and tested its F-35A Lightning aircraft (photo)
“The beauty of this is that it is a new way to deploy the jet, improve our survivability against modern threats and operate from dispersed locations, and do so while working closely with our allies who are absolutely critical to future operations,” he said.
The Norwegian Air Force also participated for the first time, testing the F-35A Lightning aircraft, a 5th generation fighter jet also operated by Britain and 15 other allied countries.
The RAF Typhoons operated from Rissala Air Base and Tervo Road Base for these trials.
The British Defense Attaché to Finland wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: ‘The first ever RAF Typhoon operates from a Finnish road strip. Thanks to Karelia Air Command for sharing your expertise. RAF Agile Combat Employment in action.’