Two JAS 39 Gripen of the Swedish Air Force landed at the Hosio highway in Finland on Wednesday, 23rd September. The landing was part of Baana 2015 jointly conducted by Finland and Sweden. Gripens, part of the 211th fighter division, took off from Kallax and landed successfully even though the weather conditions were not favourable. The pilots conducted a visual landing without the help of any technical aids.
Sweden and Finland have been collaborating on a variety of air exercises since the early 2000’s but this exercise was historical as it was the first time Gripen pilots landed on a highway strip. Along with the Gripens, two F-18 Hornets from the Finnish Air Force took part in the exercise.
After the landing the four aircraft underwent inspection and then took off for a joint flight session.
