Fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II fighter jets operated from Sweden for the first time in history

Last week, fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II fighter jets flew out of Sweden for the first time ever. This happened as part of the Nordic cross-border training agreement.

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The Royal Norwegian Air Force has sent two fifth-generation fighters to the neighbouring country. The F-35A Lightning II with conventional takeoff and landing belong to the 331st squadron. The fifth-generation aircraft arrived at the Vidsel base (Vidsel).

In Sweden, the fighters landed, refuelled and flew again. This increased the efficiency of air operations and deepened co-operation between the countries. This was stated by the deputy commander of the Swedish Air Force, Brigadier General Tommy Petersson.

The F-35A's visit to Sweden was part of a revival of the concept of dispersed operations, which fell out of fashion after the end of the Cold War. Earlier, the fifth-generation fighters visited Finland, where they took off and landed on a motorway.

The concept is known in NATO as Agile Combat Employment (ACE). Its essence is to disperse forces between operational locations without compromising combat capabilities. In the case of the F-35A Lightning II, this approach will allow the aircraft to be taken out of harm's way in the event of a possible war when military bases become targets.

Source: Janes