Northern Minnesota Will Buzz With Joint Military Exercises

The 148th Fighter Wing will be conducting exercises with the Minnesota National Guard and the Royal Norwegian Air Force in the coming days. If you live in Northern Minnesota, Northern Wisconsin, or in Michigan's UP, odds are you'll hear the rumble of fighter jets over the next week.

Duluth's 148th Fighter Wing operates the F-16 Fighting Falcon, and residents of Minnesota and Wisconsin are familiar with seeing these jets fly overhead as they conduct regular training flights.

The 148th does not post their exact flying schedules, but the unmistakable sound of the F-16's engine will alert you when training is happening.

What we typically haven't seen much of is the F-35 Lightning. It's the latest generation of fighters in the NATO arsenal. The 148th will be flying integration training with the Royal Norwegian Air Force, Luftforsvaret.

Some may remember the training flights that took place last summer, where many people saw the F-35 Lightning for the first time.

Both the F-35 and F-16s performed at last year's Duluth Air Show. It was the first time the F-35 Navy variant came to Duluth. The aerial maneuvers and agility of the jet were amazing. I highly suggest you see a demonstration at an air show if you have the chance.

Read More: A New Memorial Is Coming To Superior For Edmund Fitzgerald

The training will take place through the end of next week. The integration training ensures that different fighter wings can effectively operate in defense of NATO. The F-35 was developed with the funds and cooperation of participating NATO countries.