Finnish Air Force Improve Readiness In Nationwide Ruska Exercise

The combat phase of the Ruska 19 air operations exercise ended on October 8. The challenging exercise was an effective test of the readiness and capabilities of the Finnish Air Force.

In total, the main live air exercise of the Finnish Air Force involved approximately 60 aircraft and 4,500 airmen. Most of the 2,000 reservists who took part in the exercise returned to their homes on October 9, and the demobilization phase of the exercise ended on October 10. During Ruska 19, air operations were executed on a nationwide scale.

“Ruska 19 was a very successful exercise, which measured the readiness and all the capabilities of the Finnish Air Force. We flew safely more than 900 flight hours with the entire air fleet. In addition, Ruska 19 further deepened our close cooperation with the Swedish Air Force,” says Colonel Juha-Pekka Keränen, who led the exercise, in a statement.

More than 2,000 reservists took part in the exercise. One of the goals was to enhance skills during emergency conditions.

“The refresher training was effective. I am extremely proud of our reservists’ attitude, willingness to learn and ability to complete their tasks in a challenging environment. During the combat phase, the troops were trained to perform the same duties they would carry out in emergency conditions. This directly enhances our national defense capability, because we need a sufficient number of skilled personnel during emergency conditions.”

The focus of Ruska 19 was to train the national defense of Finland in accordance with the Finnish Air Force doctrine, which emphasizes mobility.

“We kept our aircraft continuously on the move both within the main operating bases and by utilizing dispersed basing. The troops had to adapt to challenging situations, as the bases were targeted with simulated attacks on the ground, in the air and in cyberspace.”

The Air Force multi-role fighters and the Army, Navy and Air Force air defense units complement each other, and their cooperation is based on a jointly recognized air picture.

Ruska 19 could be seen and heard in several cities and towns across Finland.

“The fact that Ruska 19 was seen and heard across Finland demonstrates that we are committed to defend all parts of the country, and that we are an integral part of the surrounding society. It would not have been possible to conduct the exercise in this extent without the seamless cooperation and support of other governmental and municipal authorities. I would also like to thank all civilian residents for their patience with the inconveniences caused by the temporary training areas and road closures,” Colonel Keränen concludes.