F-35A Fighter Jets Successfully Land on Motorway for the First Time, Boosting War-time Survivability
OSLO, Sept 22 – In a significant milestone, a pair of F-35A Lockheed Martin fighter jets successfully landed on a motorway for the first time, as captured in footage released by the Norwegian military. This breakthrough enables the aircraft to reduce their vulnerable time on the ground during times of war.
The two Royal Norwegian Air Force jets landed in Tervo, central Finland, on Thursday afternoon as part of a military exercise. Immediately after landing, the jets underwent refuelling with the engines running, a procedure known as “hotpit refuelling,” according to the Norwegian military. Following the refuelling, the planes took off again.
Major General Rolf Folland, chief of the Royal Norwegian Air Force, highlighted the significance of this achievement, stating, “Fighter jets are vulnerable on the ground, so by being able to use small airfields – and now motorways – (this) increases our survivability in war.”
The F-35A fighter jets landing on the motorway marks a first for this particular version of the aircraft, as it cannot land vertically like the F-35B variant, which has landed on roads before. It is worth noting that F-16s are also capable of landing on roads.
The strategic importance of this accomplishment is particularly relevant for Finland, which shares a 1,300 km (810 mile) border with Russia. Having joined NATO in April, Finland is looking to purchase 64 F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin to bolster its defense capabilities.
The successful landing on a motorway demonstrates the F-35A’s agility and adaptability, providing additional options for military operations and ensuring increased survivability. As Finland prepares to strengthen its defense forces, the acquisition of these advanced fighter jets will play a crucial role in safeguarding the nation’s security.
Reporting by Gwladys Fouche; Editing by Sharon Singleton
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[1/3] An F-35A Lockheed Martin fighter jet lands on a motorway, in Tervo, Finland September 21, 2023. NTB/Ole Andreas Vekve via REUTERS
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