French and British fighter jets have flown simulated air-to-ground strikes in Finland as part of NATO’s Neptune Strike 26. Activities in Finland continue until Wednesday 21 October, the Finnish Navy said.
French Rafale and British F-35B aircraft have flown the missions since last week. According to the Finnish Navy, the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales sent out the jets. The carrier is operating from the Norwegian Sea.
The Finnish Navy also simulated anti-ship missile launches in the Gulf of Finland last week. NATO’s Commander Task Force (CTF) Baltic coordinated the firings. The navy leads Finland’s participation, and the Air Force and Army are also taking part.
Neptune Strike is an enhanced Vigilance Activity (eVA) led by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO). It focuses mainly on targeting and fires in several parts of Europe. In July, the previous iteration became the first to extend into the High North, as previously reported by NDS.
According to the Finnish Navy, the activity trains the Defence Forces to lead joint fires with allied aircraft and Finland’s own fire units.