Ramstein, Germany – Four Italian Air Force Eurofighter
Typhoon jets have arrived at Iceland’s Keflavik Air Base, and from today
(4 September 2018) they will help ensure the safety of Iceland’s
airspace. Over the next few weeks, the Italian pilots will provide
intercept capabilities and train together with the Icelandic Coast Guard
and the NATO Control and Reporting Centre. The Italian jets will
complement the air surveillance which Iceland executes with its four
remote radar and communication sites.
This is the third time, after 2013 and 2017, that Italy
deploys fighter jets for NATO’s mission in Iceland. In addition to
supporting the Nordic Ally, the mission offers a valuable training
opportunity for the Italian Air Force, whose crews will practice in a
unique geographical location and boost their skills to operate in an
unfamiliar airspace.
Iceland does not have a full range of Air Policing assets, so this
mission is executed by other NATO Allies. This ensures that Icelanders
enjoy a high standard of airspace security. It also demonstrates the
spirit of solidarity among NATO Allies.
Over the past ten years, nine Allies – Canada, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Portugal and the United States
–have deployed fighter aircraft on the mission in Iceland. Deployments
typically last three to four weeks, and take place three times a year.
This peacetime defensive mission is overseen by Allied Air Command in
Ramstein, Germany, and controlled by NATO’s northern Combined Air
Operations Centre at Uedem, Germany.
Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office