Norwegian F-35s arrive in Rovaniemi for joint air force training

Two F-35A Lightning II fighter jets from the Royal Norwegian Air Force arrived in Rovaniemi on Tuesday, Yle reports. Their visit of several days is part of cooperation between the Nordic air forces.

The Norwegian aircraft will take part in a Cross Border Training exercise involving the air forces of Finland, Sweden and Norway. The training will practise the use of Rovaniemi air base by foreign fighter jets.

“The aim is that at some point we will be able to refuel, maintain and, if necessary, arm each other’s aircraft, regardless of the aircraft type,” said Colonel Saku Joukas, commander of the Lapland Air Command.

Joukas said the cooperation provides effective training and opportunities for joint operations. He said close cooperation and a clear shared vision were important.

The Cross Border Training activities are also preparing Finland for the arrival of its own F-35 aircraft. Finland’s first F-35A Lightning II multirole fighters are due to arrive in Rovaniemi by early October.

Finland has ordered a total of 64 F-35 fighter jets from the United States.