Evenes, Norway – On March 16, 2026, Finnish Air Force F/A-18 Hornets conducted air-to-air refueling with a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft operated by Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 252, part of Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.

The operation took place near Evenes Air Station as part of exercise Cold Response 26. VMGR-252 and the Finnish Air Force carried out coordinated refueling missions to enhance interoperability and readiness in Arctic conditions.

Cold Response 26, a Norwegian-led winter military exercise, is a key element of NATO’s Arctic Sentry initiative. The exercise is designed to strengthen collective defense capabilities and ensure U.S. forces can rapidly deploy and operate seamlessly alongside NATO Allies in challenging Arctic environments.

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