Spanish and Polish troops training in Finland as part of NATO exercise

Some 230 Spanish and Polish troops are participating in the NATO Ramstein Flag 26 air exercise at Tikkakoski, Finland, Yle reports.

The drill, running 8–19 June, aims to improve rapid NATO air operations. Spain has deployed F-18 fighters, while Poland has sent F-16 fighters and M-346 trainers.

Finland’s Air Force Academy is providing host-nation support, including accommodation, meals, and communications for the visiting forces.

Colonel Ville Hakala, the academy’s commander, said cooperation has run smoothly, noting Finland’s long experience in joint exercises with both nations.

Polish Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Krzysztof Poręba said the exercise allows sharing expertise, with Poland learning from Finland’s world-class dispersed basing operations. He added that the experience had been positive and expressed hope to return.

The exercise involves 18 NATO member states and over 200 aircraft, with operations spanning from Finland to Spain.