Finland closed the F/A-18 Hornet fighter maneuver course for the first time in decades

Finland closed one of the main highways for five days to allow Air Force fighters to practice maneuvers.

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The Scandinavian country, which has already applied to join NATO along with Sweden, has several highways for wartime use. But the central highway in the resort town of Joutsa has not participated in the exercise for decades because of its importance.

Nevertheless, the Finnish Air Force made preparations for the exercise and closed the highway for five days. Old and new aircraft, including F/A-18 Hornet fighters, are taking part in the exercise.

The Air Force conducts such events annually to test the ability to quickly disperse military aircraft across the country. For the exercise, which began Sept. 26, a two-kilometer stretch of highway was closed. F/A-18 Hornet fighters practiced takeoff and landing on public roads, and personnel practiced hot refueling planes with engines on.

The Finnish Air Force has more than 60 F/A-18 Hornets. At the same time, the government intends to buy 64 fifth-generation fighter aircraft F-35A Lightning in the modification of the Block 4 to the amount of €8.4 billion. Deliveries will begin in 2026.

Source: Reuters