Nordic countries combine combat air power

A Swedish Gripen and Finnish Hornet combat aircraft conducting joint manoeuvres. Together with Denmark and Norway, the two countries will combine their combat aviation assets with a joint Nordic operational concept agreed upon in a letter of intent. (Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP/Getty Images)

The Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden have agreed on “seamless co-operation” between their respective air forces, with a letter of intent (LOI) announced on 23 March.

Signed on 16 March by the commanders of the four air forces, and in the presence of the Commander of US Air Forces in Europe (USAFE), General James B Hecker, at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, the LOI is billed as being the first declaration of its kind.

“The declaration of intent strengthens co-operation between the two countries and creates the conditions for strengthening the air defence of the Nordic countries,” a joint communique said. “The aim is seamless co-operation between the air forces of the two countries and the ability to operate together in all situations.”

As per the announcement, the four air forces will now jointly draw up a Nordic air operations concept as a basis for operations. On this basis, operations will be developed through four lines of action that comprise integrated air operations management, planning, and implementation; a flexible and sustainable support system; joint airspace awareness; and joint air force training and exercise activities.

“The countries will make use of the exercise activities in the Nordic region to develop co-operation,” the announcement said.