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Nordic Defense Requires F-35s Advanced Capabilities
by U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Olivia Gibson
June
11,
2023
The U.S. Air Force’s 493rd Fighter Squadron
from the United Kingdom’s RAF Lakenheath forward deployed to
Norway’s Ørland Air Base to take part in Arctic Challenge Exercise
2023 alongside Norwegian, Dutch, and Italian F-35A Lightning II
advanced stealth fighters and other coalition aircraft supporting
the two-week exercise occurring May 29 through June 9 across
Scandinavia.
The large-force, live-fly field training
exercise emphasizes joint and combined air operations between Nordic
Allies and Partners, and this year’s iteration, led by Finland,
brings together 13 nations and a NATO coalition to further Arctic
security initiatives.
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June 5, 2023 - A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 493rd Fighter Squadron, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, takes off to participate in Arctic Challenge Exercise 2023 at
Ørland Air Base, Norway. Arctic Challenge offers the first opportunity for the unit to deploy alongside other fifth-generation nations to execute and train across a variety of scenarios in the harsh Nordic environment. (Image created by USA
Patriotism! from U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class
Olivia Gibson.)
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Arctic Challenge provides an
opportunity for U.S. forces and Allied and Partner nations to adapt
to the difficulties of operating in the Arctic's harsh environment,
as well as to enhance interoperability and key relationships through
U.S. European Command’s advanced fifth-generation fighter program.
“The 493rd is here to integrate with NATO Allies and Partner
nations in flag-level missions,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Cameron
Fierro, 493rd Fighter Squadron B Flight Commander. “Having four F-35
squadrons operating in Arctic Challenge is allowing us to test and
improve processes we have in place for mission planning, operating
and debriefing together.”
The 493rd Fighter Squadron,
nicknamed the Grim Reapers, was re-established in 2022 with the
advanced F-35 platform after transitioning from the F-15C Eagle.
Arctic Challenge offers the first opportunity for the unit to deploy
alongside other fifth-generation nations to execute and train across
a variety of scenarios in the harsh Nordic environment.
The
F-35 advanced suite of the latest technology allows for networking
with other nations while still maintaining its stealth and
versatility, which is critical to combined training in exercises
such as Arctic Challenge.
“The F-35 provides air domain
battlespace awareness for Arctic Challenge which is testing our
capabilities to operate in the Arctic climate,” said U.S. Air Force
Master Sgt. Nicholas Cruz, production superintendent of the 493rd
Aircraft Maintenance Unit. “The maintenance team's mission is to
produce reliable, combat-capable aircraft while overcoming the
unique challenges of the environment by integrating with our partner
nations.”
The Grim Reapers are set to carry out 142 sorties
over the exercise resulting in 285 flight hours, which requires a
team of professional maintenance technicians capable of serving the
24/7 mission.
U.S. European Command’s decision to organically
host the F-35 in the United Kingdom furthers U.S. Air Forces in
Europe and Air Forces Africa’s ability to better integrate and
operate with Allies and Partners throughout the European theater.
The 493rd Fighter Squadron’s participation in Arctic Challenge
contributes to enhancing the coalition’s ability to deter
adversaries throughout the High North.
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