U.S. Marine Corps F-35Bs Conduct Highway Operations in Finland After Withdrawal from Norway Exercise

U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning IIs conducted flight operations from a highway in Tervo, Finland, this month as part of NATO-led Exercise Ramstein Flag 2026. U.S. The exercise ran from June 8-12 and included 19 nations operating from 15 locations. U.S. F-35Bs, Spanish EF-18s, Polish F-16s, and Finnish air force F/A-18 Hornets on the roadway.

Maj. Gen. U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, said the participation aimed to enhance Marine Corps lethality and NATO success. “Our mission is to ensure the joint force can fight and win,” he stated in a release.

Elements of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing had been scheduled for Norway’s Cold Response 2026 in March but were withdrawn due to concerns over the conflict with Iran. Air command and control for the highway operations was handled from NATO’s Combined Air Operations Center in Bodo, Norway.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Jason T. Hinds, commander of Allied Air Command, described the exercise scope. “This iteration of Ramstein Flag stretches from the northernmost parts of Norway to the southern reaches of Spain, showcasing Allied Airpower’s 360-degree approach to defend every inch of NATO territory,” he said.

The non-traditional highway operation tested combat adaptability in a contested Arctic environment, according to the service.