US fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighters take part in Arctic Challenge exercise in Norway for the first time

A military exercise called Arctic Challenge 2023 has begun in Norway. It involves US fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighter jets.

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The US Air Force has sent more than two dozen aircraft to Norway. They include eight F-35 Lightning II and 14 fourth-generation F-15E Strike Eagle fighters. The F-35s are taking part in the Arctic Challenge exercise for the first time.

The 48th Fighter Wing redeployed F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft to Prikkala, Finland. The 493rd F-35 Lightning II squadron deployed to base Ørland in Norway. The KC-135R Stratotanker air refuellers are also deployed there.

The Arctic Challenge was first organised in 2013. This year, approximately 150 aircraft from the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Canada and the Czech Republic are involved in the exercise. Sweden, Finland and Norway are the hosts. The exercise will last until June 9.

Three days after the Arctic Challenge 2023 ends, a larger event, Air Defender 23, will begin in Europe. The US Air National Guard is moving about a hundred aircraft to Europe, including F-35s, F-16s, F-15s and A-10s. The exercise will take place in Germany Estonia, Latvia and the Czech Republic.

Source: USAFE