Icelandic Air Policing

Gestart door Sparkplug, 21/03/2017 | 11:55 uur

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Norway begins 2024 with F-35 deployment to Iceland

Jan 12 2024

KEFLAVIK, Iceland – Norway is deploying four of is F-35 fighter jets to Iceland providing an interceptor capability for NATO's air surveillance mission in Iceland.

As of January 15, four F-35 fighter aircraft are scheduled to fly NATO Air Policing sorties out of Keflavík Air Base, Iceland, until mid-February. This is the fourth time Norway deploys their fifth-generation jets to this mission.

The Norwegian detachment conducts the first of three Allied fighter deployments to Iceland scheduled in 2024. Two Norwegian F-35s at Keflavík will be on stand-by 24/7 ready to scramble to safeguard NATO and international airspace near Iceland. Sorties will include training and alert scrambles e.g. to identify unknown aircraft as a legitimate response to maintain territorial integrity of the NAOT Ally in the High North.


Norwegian detachment conducts the first of three Allied fighter deployments to Iceland scheduled in 2024. Archive photo by Olea Andreas Vekve.


The first Allied fighter deployment to Iceland in 2024 is the fourth time Norway sends their F-35s to support the NATO mission here. Archive photo by Torbjorn Kjosvold.


The 120-strong Norwegian detachment includes mission planners who work hand in glove with the Iceland Coast Guard personnel to ensure a safe mission execution. Archive photo by Ole Andreas Vekve.


The Norwegian detachment also includes their own Force Protection component that will secure the F-35s Keflavík Air Base, Iceland. Archive photo by Ole Andres Vekve.

Under NATO Air Policing arrangements, which are overseen by Allied Air Command at Ramstein, Germany, all Allies collectively contribute to the mission across the airspace in Europe. At home, the Royal Norwegian Air Force keeps a watchful eye on own and adjacent airspace. Their F-35s carry out this mission for NATO from Evenes Air Base, some 1400 kms north of Oslo, where they are ready to scramble 24/7/365.

Since 2008, NATO Allies have continuously deployed fighter aircraft to Iceland on a rotational basis to provide and train interceptors ensuring safety and security of the Icelandic airspace integrating the Ally in the High North into NATO Air Policing.

Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office

https://ac.nato.int/archive/2024/NOR-F35-to-ISL
A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

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NORWEGIAN F-35 FIGHTERS COMPLETE NATO DEPLOYMENT TO ICELAND

MAR 27 2021

RAMSTEIN, Germany -The Royal Norwegian Air Force fighter detachment has wrapped up the second deployment of the F-35 fighter aircraft to executed NATO's Air Policing mission in Iceland. 

"For four weeks the detachment personnel have worked with the Icelandic Coast Guard at Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, and NATO's Combined Air Operations Centre at Uedem, Germany, to safeguard Allied airspace in the High North."

For Quick Reaction Alert operations, the F-35 plays this role in exactly the same way as the F-16 Norway has used so far; however, the F-35 can do so much more, and the aircraft gives the pilot a much better understanding of the situation
"We have gained very useful experience related to the transfer of the weapon system F-35 with the implementation of operations and maintenance of Quick Reaction Alert from an outdoor base over time," says Lieutenant Colonel Tron Strand, detachment commander for NATO air policing mission in Iceland.



"For Quick Reaction Alert operations, the F-35 plays this role in exactly the same way as the F-16 Norway has used so far; however, the F-35 can do so much more, and the aircraft gives the pilot a much better understanding of the situation," said Lieutenant Colonel Strand. "The F-35 represents the future, and the aircraft is clearly necessary to be able to meet tomorrow's threats," he added.


NATO's Allied Air Command oversees the Air Policing mission for all European NATO Allies through its two Combined Air Operations Centres in Spain and Germany. Allied Air Command also works with the Allied Air Forces to integrate modern aircraft like the F-35 into NATO Air Power. Iceland is one example of this.

Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office based on information provided by the Norwegian F-35 detachment Public Affairs Officer

https://ac.nato.int/archive/2021/NOR_F35_wrapup
A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

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NORWEGIAN F-35S READY TO RETRUN TO ICELAND FOR NATO MISSION

FEB 15 2021

RAMSTEIN, Germany - For the second time after 2020, the Norwegian Air Force will deploy their F-35 fighter aircraft to execute NATO's mission in Iceland providing intercept capabilities for the Ally in the High North. 

The upcoming deployment of the fighters and some 130 military and civilian personnel will involve 24/7 readiness for the F-35 detachment under NATO's northern Combined Air Operations Centre at Uedem, Germany; Norwegian Control and Reporting Centre (CRC) personnel will be working alongside their Icelandic Coast Guard colleagues in the CRC at Keflavik Air Base. Norway has manned the mission in 2009, 2011, 2014 and 2016 with their F-16 fighter aircraft; 2021 was the first deployment of Norwegian F-35s.

"For Norway this is good preparation and practice for the Quick Reaction Alert mission that F-35s will fly out of Evenes from 2022 on"

NATO member Iceland ensures constant air surveillance within NATO's Integrated Air and Missile Defence System including production of the Recognised Air Picture for the airspace over Iceland and the North Atlantic. However, the Ally does not have its own military capabilities to conduct Air Policing. Therefore, since mid-2008 the Alliance has provided periodic peacetime deployments of fighter assets to meet Iceland's operational needs.


A Royal Norwegian Air Force F-35A aircraft at Keflavik Air Base during the NATO mission flying Air Policing sorties in March 2020. Archive photo by Torbjorn Kjosvoldt .

Since the beginning of the NATO mission ten Allies (Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom and the United States) have manned the regular peacetime deployment showcasing Allied cohesion and solidarity as well as deterrence and defence under the NATO banner.

During this 60th year of NATO Air Policing, the integration of fifth generation fighter aircraft highlights the Allies' new capabilities available to the collective defence mission ensuring state-of-the-art protection of all Allies.

Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office

https://ac.nato.int/archive/2021/NOR_ASIC-IPPN_2021
A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

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Italy demonstrates F-35 air defender credentials on NATO ops

09 JULY 2020

by Gareth Jennings

The Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare Italiana: AMI) has demonstrated the air-defence credentials of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), with the commander of the current NATO Iceland Air Policing mission declaring the aircraft's "effectiveness" in the role.

Speaking to reporters during a 'virtual' media event hosted by NATO, Colonel Michele Cesario said that the six F-35A aircraft that have been flying the Icelandic Air Policing mission since early to mid-June have proved to be "extremely reliable" in the quick reaction alert (QRA) role. He added that that this second national deployment of the type on this mission had underlined the AMI's recent decision to employ the aircraft in the air-defence role as well as for ground attack.

"I can confirm the reliability and the effectiveness of this aircraft for this particular task," Col Cesario said of the experience so far of the AMI's Operation 'Northern Lightning 2' in Iceland.

The colonel's comments on 8 July came on the back of the first real-world 'Alpha' Scramble by any F-35 against Russian military aircraft. This event saw a pair of AMI F-35s launch a QRA sortie out of Keflavik airbase on 3 July, intercepting and shadowing three Tupolev Tu-142 'Bear-F/J' long-range maritime patrol aircraft, one Ilyushin Il-78 'Midas' tanker, and an undisclosed number of MiG-31 'Foxhound' escort interceptors that were flying in international airspace close to Iceland.

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The six F-35As that Italy has deployed to Iceland have further developed the type's air-to-air credentials, following an inaugural deployment in 2019. (Italian Air Force)

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/italy-demonstrates-f-35-air-defender-credentials-on-nato-ops
A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

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ALLIES SCRAMBLED TO SAFEGUARD AIRSPACE IN THE NORTH ATLANTIC

https://ac.nato.int/archive/2020/Allied_Scramble_North

Italian F-35As Perform First Alert Scramble From Iceland To Monitor Activity Of Three Russian Tu-142 Bear F/J Aircraft

https://theaviationist.com/2020/07/06/italian-f-35as-perform-first-alert-scramble-from-iceland-to-monitor-activity-of-three-russian-tu-142-bear-f-j-aircraft/
A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

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Italian F-35 Fighters Arrive in Iceland for Second NATO Deployment

Jun 9 2020

RAMSTEIN, Germany - On June 9, six Italian Air Force F-35 fighter aircraft landed in Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, for a six- week NATO deployment safeguarding the airspace over and near the Ally in the High North.

"Air Policing is a very important duty for the Alliance. In that regard, even in these difficult times, Italy is deploying F-35 fighters to Iceland to fulfil its task," said Colonel Michele Cesario, Commander of the Italian F-35 detachment in Iceland after the arrival of the fighter aircraft at Keflavik Air Base. "We are very pleased to be back and we will continue to build on the relations with our hosts from the Icelandic Coast Guard."

"Together, we have been working hard to ensure that current COVID-19 restrictions will not have any impact on the operation itself and I am confident the results will show that we made it," Colonel Cesario went on to say. "This operation represents another excellent example of the cohesion among NATO members, " he added.

This is the second time after the spring of 2019, that Italy deploys its fifth generation fighter aircraft to the Allied mission providing interceptor capabilities to safeguard Icelandic airspace. In 2013, 2017 and 2018, Italy deployed their Eurofighter aircraft in support of the mission in the High North.

Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office


After landing at Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, pilots receive a first update and orientation of the base specifics. Photo courtesy Italian Air Force.


A tractor pulling one of the six Italian Air Force F-35 fighters to a shelter at Keflavik Air Base, Iceland. Photo courtesy Italian Air Force.

https://ac.nato.int/archive/2020/ITA_F35_ASIC_IPPN
A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

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Covid-19: Iceland imposes four-week quarantine for NATO air policing personnel

04 JUNE 2020 00:00 GMT+0

Iceland's government has stipulated that all Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare Italiana: AMI) personnel arriving in the country for the NATO air policing mission must undergo a four-week quarantine period for coronavirus before beginning their duties.

The Icelandic Coast Guard, which is responsible for operating all of the country's air assets and which provides support to the NATO mission out of Keflavik Airbase, said that AMI personnel must be quarantined for 14 days before their arrival on the island later in the month, and for a further 14 days once they arrive.

"[AMI] members [must] undergo a 14-day quarantine, medical examination, and screening at a military base [in Italy] before arriving here [in Iceland]. Then they [must] return for 14 days to quarantine in the security zone at Keflavik Airport after arriving in [Iceland]," the coast guard said, adding; "Implementation of the epidemic measures is carried out in consultation with the Directorate of Health."

NATO told Janes that the preparations for the AMI detachment have not been hampered by compliance with these measures, noting, "The mission continues." These measures will be constantly reviewed and adapted to new developments accordingly, the spokesperson added.

As noted by the coast guard, a group from Italy has already arrived in Iceland to prepare the ground for the arrival in the second week of June of six Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) combat aircraft and their associated air and ground personnel. Following its arrival, this preparatory group underwent 28-days quarantine in Italy and within the security zone at Keflavik Airport. Janes

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Seen during their last NATO deployment to Iceland, the AMI's F-35A pilots and support staff will have to quarantine for a total of 28-days before they can begin their next rotation in mid-June.

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/f3b9751e-2248-40fe-a847-ca8197def779
A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Sparkplug

A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Sparkplug

A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Sparkplug

A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Sparkplug

NORWEGIAN F-35 FIGHTER AIRCRAFT LANDED IN ICELAND FOR NATO MISSION

Feb 20 2020

Four Norwegian Air Force F-35 fighter aircraft arrived at Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, in the afternoon of February 19, 2020, and are now preparing to for the NATO mission providing intercept capabilities for the Ally in the High North. This is the first Allied mission abroad for Norway's modern fighter aircraft after reaching initial operational capability in November 2019.

"The fact that our F-35s can show operational capability in a NATO mission abroad is an important milestone towards full operational capability in 2025," said Chief of the Norwegian Air Force, Major General Tonje Skinnarland. The Air Policing mission in Iceland is similar to the one carried out by the Norwegian F-16 Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) interceptors from Bodø in northern Norway.

The arrival of the jets marked the start of the three-week deployment of some 130 military and civilian personnel; Norwegian Control and Reporting Centre (CRC) personnel will be working alongside their Icelandic Coast Guard colleagues in the CRC at Keflavik Air Base. Norway has manned the mission in 2009, 2011, 2014 and 2016 with their F-16 fighter aircraft.

NATO member Iceland ensures constant air surveillance within NATO's Integrated Air and missile Defence System including production of the Recognised Air Picture for the airspace over Iceland and the North Atlantic. However, the Ally does not have its own military capabilities to conduct Air Policing. Therefore, since mid-2008 the Alliance has provided periodic peacetime deployments of fighter assets to meet Iceland's operational needs.

Since the beginning of the NATO mission ten Allies (Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom and the United States) have manned the regular peacetime deployment showcasing Allied cohesion and solidarity as well as deterrence and defence under the NATO banner.

As the NATO air surveillance radars in Iceland are being upgraded this year, the Canadian Air Force has deployed its mobile radar system to Iceland with crew of 30 to operate the system.

Story by Public Affairs Office at AIRCOM



https://ac.nato.int/archive/2020/norwegian-f35-fighter-aircraft-landed-in-iceland-for-nato-mission-2
A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

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F-35 is sent on NATO missions to Iceland

Posted By: Brian Kerr 16. February 2020

For the first time, four Norwegian F-35 fighters will participate in service abroad. The mission is to protect Iceland's airspace.

"The mission for the crew I think is important because it is actually an armed mission. Finally, we get to do armed what we have been training for a long time," says Colonel Lieutenant and commander of the 332 Squadron at Ørland fighter aircraft base, Ståle Nymoen, to NRK.

Norway now has a total of 15 F-35 fighter jets. After two years on Norwegian soil, four of them will be deployed for the first time on a foreign mission with weapons. NATO has given Norway the task of protecting Icelandic airspace.

Iceland does not have its own air defense. In 2006, NATO took over the defense of the airspace, in a kind of rolling arrangement. Now it is Norway's turn.

"We must be on standby with two planes and be able, if NATO wishes, to get into the air and identify aircraft. Civilian, military or aircraft we do not necessarily know what they could be," says Nymoen.

https://norwaytoday.info/news/f-35-is-sent-on-nato-missions-to-iceland/
A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

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Royal Air Force redeploys from NATO mission in Iceland

https://ac.nato.int/archive/2019/royal-air-force-redeploys-from-nato-mission-in-iceland


A Eurofighter Typhoon fighter aircraft preparing for take-off. Photo by Cathy Sharples.
A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Sparkplug

Royal Air Force jets 'mission ready' for Icelandic Air Policing

https://ac.nato.int/archive/2019/royal-air-force-jets-mission-ready-for-icelandic-air-policing


Lieutenant Colonel Wilhelm May from NATO's Combined Air Operations Centre Uedem, Germany )left) handed over the mission ready certificate to the detachment commander of the Royal Air Force (right).
A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Sparkplug

A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Sparkplug

Italy's F-35s Have Completed The NATO's Icelandic Air Policing Mission

https://theaviationist.com/2019/10/25/italys-f-35s-have-completed-the-natos-icelandic-air-policing-mission/


Close up view on one of the F-35s of the 13° Gruppo. (Image credit: David Cenciotti)
A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Sparkplug

A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Sparkplug

Up Close And Personal With The F-35s Securing The NATO Skies Over Iceland

https://theaviationist.com/2019/10/14/up-close-and-personal-with-the-f-35s-securing-the-nato-skies-over-iceland/


An Italian Air Force F-35A sits in front of the shelter at Keflavik. Note the AIM-120 missile visibile in the weapon bay.


Iceland makes for an unbelievable background for this shot of two ItAF F-35A Lightning II deployed to Keflavik.
A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Sparkplug

The Italian Task Force At Keflavik Has Achieved The FOC And The F-35s Have Started Safeguarding Iceland's Airspace

https://theaviationist.com/2019/10/04/the-italian-task-force-at-keflavik-has-achieved-the-foc-and-the-f-35s-have-started-protecting-icelands-airspace/


The Italians proudly show the certification they have achieved in Iceland. They are now ready to carry out QRA missions in support of NATO's Icelandic Air Policing. (Image credit: Troupe Azzurra/ItAF)
A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Sparkplug

#6
The Italian Lightnings have already arrived at Keflavik International Airport, Iceland. (naast de KC-767 gaan ook een C-130J en een P-72A MPA mee)

https://theaviationist.com/2019/09/25/first-among-all-the-partner-nations-italy-deploys-f-35s-to-iceland-for-nato-air-policing-mission/

Edit. Onderstaand artikel is van NATO Allied Air Command.

Italy first Ally to deploy F-35 fighter aircraft to NATO mission in Iceland

https://ac.nato.int/archive/2019/italy-first-ally-to-deploy-f35-fighter-aircraft-to-nato-mission-in-iceland-?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=natodepspox&utm_campaign=20190928_aircom
A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Sparkplug

#5
Italy deploys F-35 on first NATO mission

https://www.janes.com/article/91542/italy-deploys-f-35-on-first-nato-mission


One of six Italian Air Force F-35s that deployed to Iceland on 26 September, where they will perform the type's first NATO air surveillance and air policing mission Source: NATO Allied Air Command
A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Sparkplug

A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Sparkplug

A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Sparkplug

A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Sparkplug

Italy deploys Typhoons for Icelandic air policing and training

Gareth Jennings, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly - 20 March 2017


The view from the supporting KC-767 tanker of one of the eight Typhoon fighters that the AMI has deployed to Iceland. Source: AMI


The Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare Italiana: AMI) has deployed six Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft to Iceland in support of NATO's air policing and training mission.

The aircraft from the 4th Fighter Wing in Grosseto in Tuscany flew to Keflavik Air Base in Iceland with support from a Boeing KC-767 tanker, arriving on 17 March.

Deployed under the auspices of NATO's 'Airborne Surveillance and Interception Capabilities to Meet Iceland's Peacetime Preparedness Needs' mission, the AMI Typhoons will spend a week conducting familiarisation flights over Iceland under the control of the Iceland Coast Guard Control and Reporting Centre Loki at Keflavik. The following week will see them certified by NATO's Combined Air Operations Centre Uedem, Germany, to fly air policing missions in the country's airspace.

In all, the AMI will spend three weeks conducting the Icelandic mission, before returning to Italy in mid-April.

For the peacetime preparedness needs mission, alliance members undertake three- to four-week rotations within one of three four-month windows throughout the year. Nations typically contribute four aircraft per deployment, although this number is flexible.

The mission has previously been flown by Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, Portugal, and the United States. A planned deployment by the United Kingdom in 2008 was cancelled following its diplomatic spat with Iceland over the Nordic nation's banking crisis. Further to the NATO members, both Finland and Sweden have deployed fighter aircraft to Iceland for training purposes.

It used to be the case that all fighter aircraft deployed to Iceland flew unarmed and were not routinely tasked for Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) duties, but this changed soon after 2014 and the breakdown in relations between the West and Russia over the actions of President Vladimir Putin in Ukraine.

In June 2016 the United States and Iceland signed a security agreement to facilitate future defence co-operation between the two nations.

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http://www.janes.com/article/68839/italy-deploys-typhoons-for-icelandic-air-policing-and-training
A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.