Home  /  Newsroom  /  2021  /  USAF F-15s on NATO Air Policing mission in Iceland welcome Commander Allied Air

RAMSTEIN, Germany – General Jeff Harrigian visited the US Detachment deployed to Keflavik Air Base (KAB), Iceland from the 48^th Fighter Wing in support of NATO Air Policing (AP) on 20 July, 21.

The Fighter Detachment's mission is to conduct NATO AP of the skies over Iceland and in the High North. The US Air Force F-15 detachment has been fully mission-ready since July 14, 2021. AP over Iceland, the High North, and the Atlantic Ocean is vital to the protection of Allied territory and safeguards our populations. Deployments of Allied fighters to Iceland is routine and defensive in nature.

It's a great opportunity for our Airmen to work together building trust and learning to operate collectively to make the mission happen

"The Air Policing mission in Iceland is vital to our constant vigilance in the High North and our commitment to protecting Allies against airborne threats. It's a great opportunity for our Airmen to work together building trust and learning to operate collectively to make the mission happen," said General Jeff Harrigian, Commander of Allied Air Command.

Iceland provides 24/7/365 air surveillance with its four remote radar and communication sites, while the deployed fighters enables interception capabilities at KAB. When in Iceland, these aircraft are dispatched to conduct real-time interception missions. These aircraft are also used to conduct air defence flying training missions. This provides the necessary degree of training to NATO and Icelandic support personnel to make sure that the Alliance can conduct a full-scale peacetime air-policing mission at the shortest possible notice if required by real world events.

Gen. Jeffrey Harrigian, U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa commander, shows Bryndis Kjartansdottir, Iceland's chief of defence, an F-15C Eagle, during a tour of NATO Air Policing operations at Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, July 20, 2021. NATO Air Policing missions are a routine and fundamental component of how NATO provides security to its members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Rachel Maxwell)

Gen. Jeffrey Harrigian, U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa commander, addresses Airmen from the 48th Fighter Wing during NATO Air Policing operations at Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, July 20, 2021. ​​Airmen must remain vigilant 24/7 during alert operations in order to respond swiftly to potential threats, protecting the integrity of NATO alliance members' airspace. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Rachel Maxwell)

Gen. Jeffrey Harrigian, U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa commander, attends a briefing at Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, July 20, 2021. This year marks 60 years of NATO Air Policing across Europe and remains a fundamental component of how NATO provides security to its members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Rachel Maxwell)

Gen. Jeffrey Harrigian, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander, laughs with Airmen assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing during NATO Air Policing operations at Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, July 20, 2021. NATO Air Policing missions are a routine and fundamental component of how NATO provides security to its members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Rachel Maxwell)