Finnish Air Force F/A-18 fighter jets recently landed on the Danish island of Bornholm to participate in a training exercise with the Royal Danish Air Force. This exercise is designed to enhance cooperation and improve joint operational capabilities between the two nations. The Finnish jets are conducting training missions alongside Danish F-16 fighters, focusing on air-to-air combat and air defense scenarios. This collaboration marks a significant step in bolstering the Nordic countries’ ability to work together in the defense sector, underscoring the importance of regional security and the close military ties between Finland and Denmark.
The visit to Rønne was part of a broader training mission that provided Finnish pilots with valuable insights into the local conditions in and around Bornholm Airport. This includes not only the approach but also the logistics of staying at the airport and utilizing its parking facilities, should it ever be necessary to use Bornholm as an alternative landing site. During the exercise, refueling and handling of the aircraft were managed by Bornholm Airport. This marks the first time Finnish F/A-18 fighter jets have landed on Bornholm, made possible by Finland’s recent entry into NATO.
“We are accustomed to landing on short runways and under various conditions. Bornholm is incredibly well situated for us when we are flying from Finland further into Europe or operating in the area. I don’t think this will be the last time we are here,” explained the Finnish pilot known as “Loudeater” during the two-hour stop on Bornholm.
“It was interesting to hear how the pilots experienced landing here,” Senior Sergeant Jesper, responsible for overseeing the Finnish visit, commented.
The runway on Bornholm is slightly shorter than most, presenting a unique challenge for the F/A-18s, which are different from the F-16s Denmark typically operates from this location. Despite the shorter runway, the Finnish pilots encountered no issues. Bornholm is a Danish island in the Baltic Sea, to the east of the rest of Denmark, south of Sweden, northeast of Germany and north of Poland. Strategically located, Bornholm has been fought over for centuries. It has usually been ruled by Denmark, but also by Sweden and by Lübeck. The ruin of Hammershus is the largest medieval fortress in northern Europe, testament to the importance of its location.
