The Finnish Air Force's main exercise for 2026, Protective Fence 26, will take place from 19 to 27 November with over 40 aircraft and around 4,100 soldiers. The aim is described as strengthening the ability to conduct air operations with a large number of aircraft from dispersed bases. Allied units from the Netherlands, France and Sweden are taking part, according to a press release from the Finnish Air Force.
"Movements within the main bases, as well as the use of civilian airfields and road bases, have been part of the Air Force's combat methods for decades. War experiences from Ukraine have increased the focus on dispersing combat aircraft and the importance of constant mobility," says Colonel Vesa Mäntylä, Chief of Operations at the Finnish Air Force and exercise director.
Of the aircraft, 20 are Finnish F/A-18 Hornets. The rest include Hawk trainer aircraft as well as transport and communications aircraft. The Finnish Army is contributing an NH90 helicopter on search and rescue standby.
The Royal Netherlands Air Force is participating with F-35A Lightning II aircraft from Rissala (eastern Finland, near Kuopio), and a French Rafale detachment is operating from Rovaniemi (northern Finland). The Swedish Air Force's JAS 39 Gripen aircraft are flying from their home base in Kallax (near Luleå, northern Sweden). The United Kingdom and the United States are sending experts.
"We get the opportunity to practise integrating fifth-generation combat aircraft into air operations. The Netherlands has operated the F-35 for several years, so we can benefit from their experience. Similarly, we can share lessons about the Finnish mobile and dispersed way of fighting," says Vesa Mäntylä.
Last year's edition, Protective Fence 25, was conducted in September 2025 with around 50 aircraft and 1,200 soldiers. Sweden and Denmark also took part on that occasion, NDS reported.
Flight operations will be conducted from ten bases as well as from a road base on national road 9 at Jännevirta in Siilinjärvi (central Finland). The road will be closed to traffic from 08:00 on 18 November and reopened no later than 12:00 on 25 November.
Over 1,800 reservists have been called up for refresher training, including for base security and aviation technical services. The exercise also serves as the final exercise for the Air Force's conscripts, who complete their service in December.
During the exercise, low-level flying may occur, as may supersonic flight at altitudes above ten kilometres over land. Flares deployed for self-protection may be visible as flashes of light, and chaff may produce false echoes on weather radar.