Nordic air chiefs on Bornholm: Strengthening the defence of the Nordic region

By Defence Command Denmark

Hands were shaken and thanks were exchanged for good conversations when the heads of the four Nordic air forces said goodbye to each other at Rønne Airport earlier today. This week, Bornholm was the setting for the meeting between the Finnish, Swedish, Norwegian and Danish air force chiefs. A meeting that supports Nordic co-operation and the common focus on strengthening the defence of the Nordic region.

"The meeting will help strengthen relations and co-operation across the Nordic countries,’ says major general Jan Dam, chief of the Air Force. "We will have the opportunity to discuss how we can continue to fulfil our joint task of keeping the Nordic airspace safe. We also had the opportunity to visit and see the Danish military installations on Bornholm."

Before the meeting was held, the four chiefs visited the air defence and radar station on Bornholm. The joint tasking of the Nordic Air Forces includes increasing co-operation on intercepting Russian aircraft in the Baltic Sea, sharing radar images, use of air stations and joint training and education.

Building on previously signed declaration

Co-operation across the Nordic countries is nothing new. In March 2023, the Nordic air chiefs signed the first Nordic Air Commanders' Intent, which is the foundation for an integrated and unified Nordic air defence within the NATO framework. Since then, exercises such as Nordic Response and Arctic Challenge Exercise have been held, giving the countries the opportunity to strengthen co-operation in practice.

"The purpose of the declaration of intent is to ensure that the Nordic air forces can operate together systematically and smoothly. This meeting supports that co-operation," says major general Jan Dam.