KEFLAVIK, Iceland - Four American F-16s along with approx. 100 U.S. Airmen, will be in Keflavik, Iceland from October 23 to November 12 to conduct an Air Surveillance mission and provide interceptors for NATO Air Policing in the High North.
The mission demonstrates U.S. commitment to the NATO Alliance, security in Europe and the strong transatlantic bond among our members
“The mission demonstrates U.S. commitment to the NATO Alliance, security in Europe and the strong transatlantic bond among our members,” said U.S. Air Force Major Clifford Peterson, 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron detachment commander leading the F-16s at Keflavik during the NATO mission. “The last time the 52nd came to Iceland was in the summer of 2019, and we are happy to be back to support our Allies and partners in the High North with this critical air surveillance mission,” he added.
A F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft assigned to the 480th Fighter Squadron departs Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany to support North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Air Surveillance and Policing at Keflavik International Airport, Iceland, October 22, 2023. The mission ensures NATO can meet Iceland’s need to monitor and manage its airspace in peacetime and demonstrates the United States’ commitment to NATO, security in Europe and strong transatlantic bond amongst NATO’s members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Max J. Daigle)
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A C-130J Super Hercules tactical aircraft carrying F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft support personnel departs Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany to support North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Air Surveillance and Policing at Keflavik International Airport, Iceland, October 22, 2023. The mission ensures NATO can meet Iceland’s need to monitor and manage its airspace in peacetime and demonstrates the United States’ commitment to NATO, security in Europe and strong transatlantic bond amongst NATO’s members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Max J. Daigle)
The focus of the deployment is to carry out routine flight training and exercises so the Alliance can meet Iceland’s needs to stay prepared to monitor and manage its airspace in peacetime. It usually involves a deployment of around three-four weeks, three times a year of fighter aircraft from Allied nations. These aircraft familiarise themselves with the airspace and are certified by the Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC) Uedem to execute the NATO mission in Icelandic airspace. This approach allows the Alliance to conduct full-scale peacetime air policing activities at the shortest possible notice if required by real world events.
While deployed, the Airmen will also conduct aerial training and work with more than 100 Icelandic Coast Guard personnel who control the activities out of the NATO Control and Reporting Centre at Keflavik and ensure provide search and rescue capabilities are available. The four United States Air Force F-16s are from 52nd Fighter Wing based at Spangdahlem, Germany.
The United States has routinely deployed fighter assets to Iceland since 2008 to conduct this standing NATO mission which is specific and unique to this NATO Ally. Given its geographical location, Allies, in conjunction with the Icelandic authorities, have agreed that the appropriate arrangement to help keeping Icelandic airspace safe and secure is to maintain a periodic presence of NATO fighter aircraft based at NATO Keflavik Air Base.