Finnish air force practices emergency transport of Hornet fighter jet by road

The Finnish Air Force conducted a rare road transport of an F/A-18 Hornet multirole fighter this week as part of emergency preparedness training, public broadcaster Yle reports.

A convoy carrying the jet travelled from Rissala Air Base in Karelia to Patria’s maintenance facility in Jämsä on Wednesday and Thursday. The operation involved the Karelia Air Command and the 3rd Logistics Regiment, with support from local authorities.

Lieutenant Colonel Samuli Tanttu, chief of staff at Karelia Air Command, told Lentoposti magazine that the exercise was essential for testing coordination with civilian agencies. “We need to be able to transport aircraft by road in exceptional circumstances,” Tanttu said. “It’s important to periodically practice these procedures with the authorities.”

The transported jet will remain in Jämsä for scheduled maintenance by Patria. The Air Force announced the operation on April 16 via the social media platform X.