NATO fighter jets push noise levels near pain threshold in Rovaniemi

NATO’s Ramstein Flag 26 exercise in Rovaniemi is generating noise levels of 110–120 decibels at the edge of the runway as German Tornado and Eurofighter jets, along with US F-35Bs, take off, Yle reports.

Finnish authorities granted Germany special permission to conduct low-altitude training at roughly 76 metres, which produces more noise than high-altitude flight. German Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Kötting said low flying helps evade radar and enemies by using terrain for cover, adding that Finland’s sparse population makes it an ideal training location.

US Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel John Stuart noted that the F-35B’s vertical takeoff and landing capability, along with its afterburner, contributes to the high noise levels. Pilots have reduced afterburner use to mitigate sound and protect the airfield.

The exercise includes daily morning flights within Finland’s borders and an afternoon “main wave” with dozens of aircraft flying as far as 700 km to the Norwegian coast. Finnish Colonel Saku Joukas said routes are chosen to minimise disruption, though noise over urban areas remains unavoidable at times.

Finland’s own F/A-18 Hornets and incoming F-35A models also participate. The exercise runs for two weeks before Midsummer, with flights avoiding proximity to the Russian border.