The Finnish Air Force’s Imminent Field 2/25 exercise will cause changes in traffic arrangements and movement restrictions in the area of the Hiirola highway strip in Mikkeli in November 2025.
Main road 72 between Mikkeli and Pieksämäki will be closed to traffic on 23 November at 10 a.m. and opened by noon on 28 November 2025.
F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets and other Air Force aircraft will employ the Hiirola highway strip as a road base. The objective is to maintain and further develop the readiness of Finland’s air defence. The training event is part of the final exercise of the unit training phase (JPH 2/25).
Traffic arrangements and movement restrictions in Hiirola area
Karelia Air Wing will operate the highway strip on main road 72 for the period from 23 to 28 November 2025. The exercise will cause changes in traffic arrangements due to the closure of main road 72 between Mikkeli and Pieksämäki, as well as movement restrictions for the residents in the surrounding area. The road section to be closed starts in the south at the intersection of main road 72 and road 4601 (Rämäläntie) and ends in the north at the intersection of main road 72 and road Vääräläntie.
Traffic is detoured along highway 5 — regional road 459 — road 4591, and local traffic is rerouted along road 4601 — road Vehmaskyläntie — road Alamaantie.
The Finnish Defence Forces will take the area surrounding the highway strip into military use by an administrative decision. There will be movement restrictions during the exercise. In addition, drone flying and hunting will be prohibited around the clock in the training area from 22 to 29 November 2025.
Instructions on applying for a pass for those living and visiting the area: ilmavoimat.fi/karjalanlennosto and mikkeli.fi.
Instructions on how to apply for a pass for residents in the Imminent Field training area
During the Finnish Air Force’s Imminent Field 2/25 air exercise, there will be traffic and movement restrictions in Hiirola area, Mikkeli, from 23 to 29 November 2025.
Movement in the training area of the Finnish Defence Forces is permitted only for those who have obtained a pass. A photo identification document (passport, driving licence, Kela card, ID card) must be presented upon request. A child under the age of 18 travelling with parents does not need a separate pass or identification document. Anyone under the age of 18 who moves alone must have his own pass and identification document with him.
Authorised persons are requested to note that traffic on the roads intersecting the highway strip during air operations is interrupted, and persons moving there must be prepared for delays.
On the basis of an application submitted by the deadline of 16 November 2025, the residents of the region and others in need of a permit for a valid reason will be issued a pass. Karelia Air Wing will notify of a pass issued using SMS by 18 November 2025. Permission will not be valid until confirmed. Subsequent applications will be processed by the Chief Security Officer of Karelia Air Wing: contact information by phone +358 299 230 330. In addition, during the exercise, drone flying and hunting will be prohibited around the clock from 22 to 29 November 2025. The restrictions are based on operational security and flight safety.
Invitation to the Imminent Field exercise briefing
Karelia Air Wing will arrange a briefing about the exercise for the residents of Hiirola and the media.
Time: Wednesday, 5 November 2025 at 5 p.m.
Location: Rämälä School (Rämälän koulu), Vehmaskyläntie 1, 50300 Mikkeli
The event will cover the exercise arrangements and schedules as well as the instructions on applying for a pass to the area.
Link: Traffic Arrangements
Additional information about the exercise and traffic arrangements:
www.ilmavoimat.fi
www.mikkeli.fi
www.ely-keskus.fi/tiedotteet
INFORMATION IN UKRAINIAN
https://mikkeli.fi/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Ilmavoimat-harjoittelee-Mikkelin-Hiirolassa-marraskuussa-2025UA.pdf
https://mikkeli.fi/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Kiertotiejarjestelyt-Imminent-Field-harjoitus-Mikkelin-HiirolassaUA.pdf
https://mikkeli.fi/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Liite-Kulkuluvat-Imminent-Field-harjoitusalue-004UA.pdf
INFORMATION IN RUSSIAN
https://mikkeli.fi/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Ilmavoimat-harjoittelee-Mikkelin-Hiirolassa-marraskuussa-2025RUS.pdf
https://mikkeli.fi/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Kiertotiejarjestelyt-Imminent-Field-harjoitus-Mikkelin-HiirolassaRUS.pdf
https://mikkeli.fi/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Liite-Kulkuluvat-Imminent-Field-harjoitusalue-004RUS.pdf