Mar 3 2021

Norway's F-35 certified to safeguard skies in NATO’s High North

RAMSTEIN, Germany - After bedding down the force and conducting familiarization flights in Iceland, the Norwegian F-35 detachment underwent a two-day certification test for NATO's Air Policing mission in Iceland.

NATO’s Combined Air Operation Centre (CAOC) at Uedem, Germany, verified that the detachment has all the tactics, techniques and procedures in place required to provide 24/7 intercept capabilities to protect the airspace above Iceland.

We are set to launch the first of three fighter deployments to Iceland in 2021 showcasing NATO's comprehensive and effective Air Policing measures for all our Allies

"Together with the Icelandic Coast Guard staff in Control and Reprting Centre (CRC) Keflavik, we challenged the Norwegian detachment and reviewed their setup and processes to bring their fighters in the air within the required response time,” said Colonel Wilhelm May, German Air Force, head of the CAOC Uedem certification team. “I am very pleased to say they finished this challenge very successfully - just as they did last year with the F-35s,” he added.

“We ran the certification process virtually, as we did ´for the previous fighter

detachments in Iceland mitigating for the restrictions imposed to combat the pandemic,” Colonel May explained. “We have resilient procedures in place that benefit from excellent communications and flawless liaison between our teams at Uedem and Keflavik. This means we are set to launch the first of three fighter deployments to Iceland in 2021 showcasing NATO's comprehensive and effective Air Policing measures for all our Allies. Together we are vigilant, capable and ready to support deterrence and defence including in the High North,” he concluded.

"We demonstrate that Norway is capable of effectively executing missions with the F-35 both inside and outside Norwegian territory," said Lieutenant Colonel Tron Strand, Commander of the Norwegian F-35 detachment for Iceland Air Policing. "It is important that Norway participates and contributes to NATO's total defence to safeguard the sovereignty of the Alliance," he added.

For the coming three weeks Norway will once more demonstrate modern aircraft integration bringing their F-35 fighters into the Alliance’s enduring collective mission safeguarding the NATO skies.

Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office

NATO’s Combined Air Operation Centre  at Uedem, Germany, verified the detachment has all the tactics, techniques and procedures in place required to provide 24/7 intercept capabilities to protect the airspace above Iceland. Archive photo by Rob Kunzig.

Inside the Control and Reporting Centre Loki at Keflavik Air Base, Icelandic Coast Guard and Norwegian F-35 detachment personnel work together to ensure tactical control and support for the fighter sorties. Archive photo courtesy Royal Norwegian Air Force

The four Royal Norwewgian Air Force F-35 fighters during an air-to-air refuelling mission with a French Air Force KC-135 tanker. For the second time after 2020, the Norwegian F-35s are securing the skies in the High North.  Photo courtesy French Air Force.

"We demonstrate that Norway is capable of effectively executing missions with the F-35 both inside and outside Norwegian territory," said Lieutenant Colonel Tron Strand, Commander of the Norwegian F-35 detachment for Iceland Air Policing.Photo by Hamza Saleh