The use of civilian infrastructure for military aircraft operations dates back to the Cold War. The U.S. Air Force said the concept is now a key part of Agile Combat Employment.
“It diversifies the amount of landing sites that are available to commanders and ultimately complicates the enemy’s targeting solution,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Ty Millsap, 86th Airlift Wing chief of weapons and tactics. “Instead of being able to focus on just one air base, we now have a plethora of places where we can land and operate out of projected distances.”
For the Swedish Air Force, the exercise marked the first time the U.S. Air Force had landed on its highway system. The event also highlighted a growing partnership after Sweden’s recent accession into NATO.
“For us, it’s a strategic networking opportunity to build alliances,” said Swedish Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Mats Anderson, 73rd Tactical Airlift Squadron chief of development. “Experiences around the world have shown that if you actually spread your air force, you will survive.”
“That’s part of this, to be able to use the highway system to take off and land,” Anderson said. The training reflected a shared focus on dispersal, survivability and flexible air operations.
The highway landing presented environmental and spatial challenges compared with traditional military runways. Trees and power lines near the road reduced the space available to the crew and left little margin for error.
To reduce risk, the crew rehearsed landings and high-speed abort emergency procedures in simulators before the flight. The road’s narrow width also limited ground manoeuvring options for the aircraft.
“The highways are harder to find, less lit, and much more narrow in length and width,” Millsap said. “Because it was so narrow, the aircraft couldn’t make a turn so the only option there is to back up.”
The mission also differed from standard U.S. tactical landing zone procedures. Instead of using typical U.S. tactical landing zone safety officers, the crew was cleared to land by Swedish mobile air traffic controllers who coordinated the airspace.
Through those coordination efforts, the crew completed three full landings and one low approach. The operations were carried out during strict 20-minute road closure windows.
“The communication between our partners was great,” Millsap said. “Landing on a highway was neat, but getting to work with the Swedish partners was the fun part.”
The 86th Operations Support Squadron coordinated with several major commands and NATO to secure the required waivers for the Särestad highway landing zone. The U.S. Air Force said both the Swedish and U.S. Air Forces plan to expand the training after the milestone.
Future exercises are expected to bring less experienced aircrews to the Särestad highway. The aim is to further develop the 86th Airlift Wing’s resilient airlift capabilities and strengthen cooperation with NATO’s newest member.
