Finnish Air Force to participate in Basfunktionsövning 25 in Sweden

Finland will take part in the Swedish Air Force’s base operations exercise in Uppsala at the beginning of May. The exercise will involve also Finnish reservists.

The Finnish Air Force will participate in the Swedish Air Force's Basfunktionsövning 25 (BFÖ25) exercise from 4 to 7 May 2025. Finland will deploy a detachment of three F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets and approximately 30 personnel from the Karelia Air Wing.

The detachment will consist of active-duty personnel from the Karelia Air Wing as well as reservists specialized in aircraft maintenance and force protection. While in Sweden, the Finnish detachment will operate out of Uppsala Air Base.

Nordic aircraft cross-servicing 

For the Finnish Air Force, the aim of the BFÖ25 exercise is to enhance cooperation with Nordic NATO Allies. The exercise will strengthen aircraft cross-servicing capabilities with the Swedish Air Force by training Swedish mechanics in procedures related to supporting F/A-18 Hornet operations. Another objective is to develop the skills of Finnish Air Force reservists in operating at an Allied nation’s air base.

Basfunktionsövning 25 is the Swedish Air Force’s base operations exercise held between 28 April and 9 May 2025. The exercise takes place mainly in Central Sweden. Participants include active-duty personnel of the Swedish Armed Forces, soldiers from the Home Guard (Hemvärnet), and conscripts from various units and services. The main bases of the exercise are located in Uppsala and Eskilstuna.