Highway to readiness: Canadian fighter jets touch down on public road in Estonia

Royal Canadian Air Force pilots have conducted a highway landing in Estonia, as part of an exercise to support Nato's deterrence and defence posture in Central and Eastern Europe.

CF-188 Hornets touched down on the Jägala-Käravete highway, part of the longer Piibe highway , marking the first time RCAF aircraft had executed such a manoeuvre.

The exercise involved eight Canadian fighter jets that joined Italian air force Eurofighter Typhoons and one Estonian transport plane as part of Exercise Tarrassis – a multinational series of exercises designed to demonstrate allied cooperation.

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In a post on X, the RCAF called the training exercise a "historic first", highlighting its ability to operate in austere environments and rapidly redeploy.

During conflict, airfields and runways are likely targets, potentially leaving heavy aircraft without designated places to land. 

These exercises prepare pilots to land safely on public roads and quickly disperse or conceal their aircraft to avoid detection or enemy fire. 

Unlike military or commercial runways, public roads are not designed for aircraft, meaning even small debris or potholes can cause significant damage.  

RCAF pilots are currently stationed in Estonia as part of Operation Reassurance, the Canadian armed forces' largest overseas mission.

Exercise Hillstream

As part of the wider multinational Exercise Tarassis, RAF Typhoons also conducted landings at Evenes Air Station in northern Norway.

Exercise Hillstream simulated how air and ground components of the Joint Expeditionary Force could integrate during a real-world crisis in the High North or Baltic region.

RAF aircraft also supported Royal Marines from 3 Commando Brigade during an amphibious assault demonstration.  

Deployed from RAF Lossiemouth, it demonstrated the ability of UK forces to operate at high readiness in Arctic conditions, ensuring that British forces can respond to emerging threats, humanitarian emergencies, or security challenges across the Euro-Atlantic area.