RAMSTEIN, Germany – A U.S. Air Force F-15 fighter detachment arrived in Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, to fly Air Policing missions extending NATO’s collective defence arrangements to the Ally in the High North.
The routine U.S. deployment demonstrates Alliance solidarity and the transatlantic linkage at work
“The routine deployment demonstrates Alliance solidarity and the transatlantic linkage at work,” said U.S. Air Force General James Hecker, Commander of NATO’s Allied Air Command and U.S. Air Forces in Europe. “Air Policing is how the Alliance provides collective defence to its 32 member states. This peacetime defensive missions ensure the same level of protection to all Allies and it underscores the 360-degree approach to deterrence and defence – we maintain a cross-domain, seamlessly integrated posture against threats from all directions,” he added.

U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 492nd Fighter Squadron prepares for daily operations at RAF Lakenheath, England, in February 2024. The 48th Fighter Wing maintains aircrew readiness by conducting in-flight exercises on a consistent basis. U.S. Air Force archive photo by Alexander Vasquez.

U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 492nd Fighter Squadron lining up before take off at RAF Lakenheath, England, in February 2024. The Liberty Wing ensures the preparation of aircrew through routine flight operations, ensuring mission readiness. (U.S. Air Force archive photo by Alexander Vasquez.
The U.S. fighter detachment from 492nd Fighter Squadron, RAF Lakenheath, is scheduled to conduct the mission for three weeks. Being a regular contributor to NATO’s periodic air mission in Iceland, the U.S. have filled one slot in each year since 2008.
Upon certification by the CAOC at Uedem, Germany, the four U.S. F-15 fighters, will be on 24/7 alert to scramble for Air Policing missions under NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence arrangements. Icelandic Coast Guard and U.S. Air Force Airmen in the NATO Control and Reporting Centre Loki will control these missions.
Iceland is one example of NATO’s special Air Policing arrangements. Since the country has no fighter aircraft to conduct Air Policing, Allies, in conjunction with the Icelandic authorities, have agreed that the appropriate response to security challenges is to maintain a periodic presence of NATO fighter aircraft based at Keflavik Air Base to ensure NATO territory is safe and secure.