KEFLAVIK, Iceland – The Finnish air force F/A-18 Hornet fighter detachment received NATO certification on 30 January, 2025 and are mission ready as they continue protecting the airspace in the Arctic region.
Four F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets and about 50 personnel of the Finnish Air Force are currently deployed to Iceland in support of NATO’s Air Policing mission and Airborne Surveillance and Interception Capabilities to meet Iceland's Peacetime Preparedness Needs (ASIC IPPN).
The Finnish Jets will be on Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) in Iceland until the end of February, 2025. As part of the detachment, Finnish fighter controllers will closely collaborate with the Icelandic Coast Guard and personnel from “Loki”, the Control and Reporting Centre located in Keflavik, to ensure the security of NATO Airspace in the Arctic region.
We reaffirm our commitment to collective defence and to the security of this 32-nation alliance by our presence here in Iceland
“I am really honoured for the opportunity given to Lapland Air Wing and the entire Finnish Air Force to lead, for the first time autonomously, a NATO Air policing mission working alongside and collaborating with our Icelandic counterparts” said Colonel Saku Joukas, Commander of Lapland Air Wing, Finnish Air Force. “We reaffirm our commitment to collective defence and to the security of this 32-nation alliance by our presence here in Iceland” he added.
Finnish fighter jets will be on Quick Reaction Alert in Iceland until the end of February, 2025 demonstrating Finland's commitment to collective defence. Photo by Anne Torvinen
The infrastructure at Keflavik Air-Base and the support from the Icelandic Coast Guards and Host Nation ensure the successful execution of this reoccurring NATO mission. Photo by Arnaud Chamberlin
Finnish fighter controllers work closely with the Icelandic Coast Guards and personnel from the Control and Reporting Centre located in Keflavik. Photo by Arnaud Chamberlin
The Airborne Surveillance and Interception Capabilities to meet Iceland's Peacetime Preparedness Needs mission, started in 2008 and is supported by Allied air forces. Photo by Arnaud Chamberlin
The infrastructure at Keflavik Air-Base and the support from the Icelandic Coast Guards and Host Nation ensure the successful execution of this reoccurring NATO mission. On 5 February, 2025, Iceland and Finland hosted a joined media day allowing media access to Keflavik air base and an insight into the daily operations.
“It is a pleasure to welcome the Finnish Air Force to Iceland for their first participation in Icelandic NATO's Air Policing mission. The deployment marks a significant moment for NATO and both our nations, reinforcing our mutual commitment to collective security in the North Atlantic region” said Captain Jon Gudnason, Icelandic Coast Guard Keflavik Base Commander. Adding "their presence with F18s Hornet jets is a tangible sign of strong bond and our common determination to protect the skies of the Alliance. The detachment provide the Interception and the Airborne control essential to the mission here in Iceland”.
The NATO mission in Iceland dates back to 2008. France was the first Ally to deploy with four of its Mirage 2000-5, Finland is the twelfth Allied air forces to deploy with fighter jets and personnel to Keflavik Air-Base in support of the Air Policing mission.
Finland joined NATO's Partnership for Peace Programme in 1994 and has routinely participated in NATO-led operations and missions. Early in 2014, NATO member nations Norway, Iceland and the Netherlands, together with partner countries Finland and Sweden, at that time, participated in the Iceland Air Meet 2014 where they conducted a wide range of air defence-related flying activities.
Following their accession, Finland detached seven F/A-18 Hornet fighters to Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Romania under NATO’s Air Shielding mission providing quick-reaction alert alongside the Royal Air Force's Typhoon jets.
From 31 March to 11 April 2025, Finland will deploy their F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets in support of Allied Air Command’s premier ‘flag series’ exercise, Ramstein Flag 25. They will integrate with 14 Allied nations in a large-scale tactical-level live-fly exercise, a further demonstration of their steadfast commitment to the Alliance.