NATO embraces agile combat employment amid evolving security landscape

NATO has taken an interest in Sweden's methods of force dispersal. Sweden is recognized as a leader in this area, having previously operated jet fighters from frozen lakes and later developing complex "war base" operations using disused military airfields or regional airports as hubs for highway strips.

Sweden resumed road-based operations in the 2010s, incorporating advances in communication technology to create a fluid form of warfare that is hard to detect and disrupt. Adam Nelson, chief of the Swedish air force’s F7 wing at Såtenäs, emphasized the importance of mobility: “If you operate from anywhere for long enough, a bomb will eventually find you,” he said. “You have to keep on the move.”

These highway strips serve dual purposes as roads with surfaces treated to prevent damage during aircraft landings. The setup includes discreet parking areas for aircraft and support vehicles nearby. Operations are kept small-scale for stealth; local police close highways only when necessary.

Swedish Gripen jets can be serviced quickly between sorties by minimal ground crews. Communication between pilots and controllers is limited until landing patterns are established.

Currently, only the Swedish Gripen is certified for short-strip operations within NATO. However, other countries like Finland use larger aircraft on longer road runways under similar agile concepts.

The introduction of Lockheed Martin's F-35 poses challenges due to its extensive ground support needs and maintenance requirements, particularly concerning its low observable coatings. Although it has performed highway operations in Finland, its engine must remain running throughout these maneuvers.