U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II fighters recently marked a milestone in Finland by carrying out a series of unconventional flight operations from a highway in the municipality of Tervo. The aircraft, operated by Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 224 (VMFA-224) under the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, became the first Marine Corps F-35Bs to deploy to Finland during NATO’s Exercise Ramstein Flag 2026.
Held from June 8 to 12, the multinational exercise brought together forces from 19 countries across 15 locations. The highway-based operations featured U.S. F-35Bs alongside Spanish EF-18 Hornets and Polish F-16s, while Finnish Air Force F/A-18 Hornets also took part in activities on the roadway.
Maj. Gen. Daniel Shipley, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, emphasized the importance of the exercise, stating that participation in Ramstein Flag strengthens Marine Corps combat capabilities, supports NATO’s operational effectiveness, and reinforces the alliance’s ability to counter advanced aerial threats.
Earlier this year, components of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing had been scheduled to join the Arctic-focused Exercise Cold Response 2026 in Norway. However, those plans were canceled due to concerns surrounding tensions involving Iran.
According to the Marine Corps, the Finnish highway operations were intended to evaluate the ability of allied forces to operate in austere and contested Arctic environments. Command and control for the highway missions, as well as other air operations, was coordinated through NATO’s Combined Air Operations Center in Bodø, Norway.
Lt. Gen. Jason T. Hinds, commander of NATO Allied Air Command, noted that Ramstein Flag 2026 spans a vast geographical area, from northern Norway to southern Spain. He said the exercise demonstrates NATO’s comprehensive approach to defending alliance territory and highlights its commitment to confronting both current and emerging security challenges through dispersed operational concepts.
