A contingent of U.S Air Force F-15E fighter bombers landed at Keflavik Air Base in early June to conduct Air Policing Missions over Iceland. The initial tasks performed by the combat aircraft included reconnaissance flights followed by Quick Reaction Alert – Interception exercises.
Also involved in the operations are the Icelandic Coast Guard, the Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC), and the NATO Control and Reporting Center (CRC). The missions are part of a program known as Airborne Surveillance and Interception Capabilities to Meet Iceland’s Peace-Time Preparedness Needs (ASIC-IPPN).
These activities have been continuously carried out since May 2008, involving NATO and 11 allies to ensure the security of Iceland and interoperability of allied forces. The four F-15E fighter jets from the U.S Air Force currently actively participating will spend several weeks at Keflavik Base, temporarily relocating from their home at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom.
Captain Patrick “Whiskey” Allen, commander of the US F-15E detachment, stated: “We are proud to be back in Iceland demonstrating NATO’s transatlantic bond, our readiness, and cooperation with our Icelandic allies. We look forward to maintaining safe airspace in the High North with our superb team and powerful F-15E fighter jets.”
Meanwhile, Jon Gudnason from Iceland, Commander of the NATO Air Base at Keflavik, remarked: “We are proud participants ensuring NATO Air Space and NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence System (NATINAMDS) operations. This mission is also crucial for training our personnel and continuous testing of our operational systems.”
*Photographs: NATO Air Command.
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