Training Air Wing at Kauhava – in the Heart of Ostrobothnia

18 May 2005

All Hawks that participate in ADEX take off from Kauhava.

“To put it in simple terms, we are the Red Force in this exercise while those units that are based at Pirkkala are the Blue Force,” says Lieutenant-Colonel Pauli Rantamäki, a squadron commander with the Training Air Wing.

Aircraft that take off from the Training Air Wing’s base at Kauhava play essentially the role of the air force of the imaginary Republic of Ostrobothnia during the ADEX-05 exercise. Their main opponents are fighters of the combined air component that are scrambled from Pirkkala. The aircraft occasionally change sides, however, to ensure adequate balance of forces between the opposing sides.

“By retaining part of the participating aircraft within the territory of Ostrobothnia we ensure that they are based in the exercise area, which better reflects the scenarios planned for the exercise,” Rantamäki explains further.

A maximum of twelve Finnish aircraft – eight Hornets and four Hawks -- can blast to the skies to participate in the ADEX air defense exercise. Yet more aircraft are available as spares.

“Typically we send off three flights for each wave, which means that all designated aircraft are then airborne,” tells Colonel Kari Janhunen, Commander of the Training Air Wing.

A Routine Exercise – Almost

Janhunen estimates that Kauhava-based aircraft generate approximately 300 flight hours during ADEX.

“During normal duty periods we fly more,” he reveals.

Air combat exercises are nothing new at Kauhava. The Training Air Wing participates in the annual main exercise of the Finnish Air Force and other national flight training. The Wing is also an experienced host for international events such as the Pilots’ Midsummer Air Show aerobatic display.

It was planned that foreign detachments would have arrived at Kauhava for ADEX, but after the Americans canceled their participation it became possible to base all foreign aircraft at Satakunta Air Command’s main base.

“This exercises gives us a chance to practice pilots’ skills in fighter tactics and crisis management in cooperation with their foreign colleagues,” says Pauli Rantamäki when he lists the benefits of ADEX. He is a designated Director of Flight Operations for the exercise.

“This has been an extremely pleasant experience. Aircraft have performed flawlessly. Weather has not hampered operations. We have met all foreign visitors in the air. Cooperation has been smooth,” Rantamäki continues his list.

“And it is great to have so many Hornets here. Usually we see only Hawks,” adds Janhunen.

Trainees posted to the Training Air Wing are tasked with non-flying duties for the duration of the exercise, for example the current Advanced Pilot Course is undergoing survival training. Only one cadet course is designated to assist in the running of ADEX.

“No special facilities have been set up for plane spotters at Kauhava. The designated viewing sites and the Air Force’s public information desk are located at Pirkkala,” Rantamäki tells.

Yet it is possible to view departing and arriving aircraft from the civilian side of Kauhava airfield. Fighters and jet trainers are launched from Kauhava essentially at the same time as from Pirkkala, i.e., at 10 a.m., 13.30 p.m., and 17 p.m.