Sweden conducts its first NATO Air Policing Mission in Iceland

A Swedish fighter detachment will arrive in Iceland in the beginning of February for a NATO Air Policing Mission. The detachment consists of six JAS Gripen fighter jets and up to 110 personnel.

"I welcome the arrival of the Swedish fighter detachment. The participation of Sweden in the Icelandic Air Policing Mission demonstrates how Sweden's entry into NATO strengthens and deepens our defence cooperation and contributes to our security," says Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, Iceland's Minister for Foreign Affairs.

The Mission is conducted in accordance with the NATO plan for Iceland Air Policing in a similar manner as in previous years.

The Defense Division of the Icelandic Coast Guard will manage the implementation of the mission, on behalf of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, in close cooperation with Isavia, the national airport and air navigation service provider of Iceland.

Weather permitting, approach flight exercises to the alternate airports in Akureyri and Egilsstaðir are planned for the first week of February. The detachment will be based in Keflavik Air Base.

The mission is expected to conclude in the middle of March.