Finland starts large-scale air force exercise together with Sweden
Xinhua, October 11, 2016 Adjust font size:
The Finnish Air Force has started a large-scale air force exercise, Finnish national broadcaster Yle reported on Monday.
The five-day drill called "Ruska" is held this week from Monday to Friday, aiming at training the troops of Finland's air defense system in complex operational circumstances.
A total of 2,600 active duty members, conscripts and reservists, as well as more than 50 airplanes, including 30 Hornet multi-purpose fighters, 15 Hawk jet trainer and a number of transport and communication planes, is participating in the exercise.
Lieutenant Colonel Henrik Elo from the Finnish Air Force told Yle that the major exercise features presence of the Swedish Air Force's equipment and troops.
The Swedish Air Force is set to dispatch 6 Gripen multi-role fighters and some transport and command planes, as well as about 100 personnel, to take part in the event, according to Elo.
In early September, the Finnish Air Force participated in the Swedish Air Force's Flygvapenovning 16 exercise.
Elo explained that this is largely related to the deepening of the Finnish and Swedish air force cooperation. Endit