Finnish, Swedish Air Force Chiefs visit NATO Air Command

The Commanders of the Finnish and Swedish Air Forces, Major General Juha-Pekka Keränen and Major General Carl-Johan Edström on Friday visited NATO's Air Command in Ramstein, Germany and discuss closer integration between NATO air forces and those of Sweden and Finland, said Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office.

The Generals discussed Finland and Sweden's NATO applications and how the two air forces could work closer with NATO Air and Space Power, with particular focus on command and control issues.

The potential integration of Finnish and Swedish airspace in NATO Air Policing arrangements was also discussed.

"AIRCOM has long and close relationships with the Finnish and Swedish Air Forces through NATO's enhanced partnership program and we are eager to build upon this relationship in the coming months," said General Jeffrey L. Harrigian, Commander, Allied Air Command.

"The exceptional Air Forces of Sweden and Finland already greatly enhance security and stability in Europe by cooperating closely with the Alliance in exercises and training events in the Baltic Sea Region and High North," General Harrigian added.

Finnish and Swedish Air Force commanders have attended NATO Air Chiefs' Symposiums and the Partner Air Chiefs' Conferences hosted by AIRCOM for many years, underscoring the deep professional relationship and thorough coordination with the Alliance.

Both air forces have participated in NATO quick reaction alert exercises in the Baltic region for over a decade.

On a weekly basis, Finnish and Swedish fighters fly defensive air drills with NATO fighters deployed in Baltic and enhanced Air Policing.