Finnish Air Force to train in Mikkeli in November 2025

The Finnish Air Force’s Imminent Field 2/25 exercise will cause changes in traffic arrangements and movement restrictions in the area of the Hiirola highway strip in Mikkeli in November 2025.

Main road 72 between Mikkeli and Pieksämäki will be closed to traffic on 23 November at 10 a.m. and opened by noon on 28 November 2025.

F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets and other Air Force aircraft will employ the Hiirola highway strip as a road base. The objective is to maintain and further develop the readiness of Finland's air defence. The training event is part of the final exercise of the unit training phase (JPH 2/25).

Traffic arrangements and movement restrictions in Hiirola area

Karelia Air Wing will operate the highway strip on main road 72 for the period from 23 to 28 November 2025. The exercise will cause changes in traffic arrangements due to the closure of main road 72 between Mikkeli and Pieksämäki, as well as movement restrictions for the residents in the surrounding area. The road section to be closed starts in the south at the intersection of main road 72 and road 4601 (Rämäläntie) and ends in the north at the intersection of main road 72 and road Vääräläntie.

Traffic is detoured along highway 5 — regional road 459 — road 4591, and local traffic is rerouted along road 4601 — road Vehmaskyläntie — road Alamaantie.

The Finnish Defence Forces will take the area surrounding the highway strip into military use by an administrative decision. There will be movement restrictions during the exercise. In addition, drone flying and hunting will be prohibited around the clock in the training area from 22 to 29 November 2025.
 

Invitation to the Imminent Field exercise briefing

Karelia Air Wing will arrange a briefing about the exercise for the residents of Hiirola and the media.
Time: Wednesday, 5 November 2025 at 5 p.m.
Location: Rämälä School (Rämälän koulu), Vehmaskyläntie 1, 50300 Mikkeli

The event will cover the exercise arrangements and schedules as well as the instructions on applying for a pass to the area.
 

More information: Karelia Air Wing Lieutenant Colonel Samuli Tanttu tel. 0299 800(switchboard)