Swedish Air Force Begins NATO Air Policing from Keflavík

2026-02-05 - 11:07

A Swedish air force contingent has begun NATO airspace surveillance operations from Keflavík Airport, marking the first such deployment by Sweden since it joined the Alliance in 2024. As reported by RÚV, the mission started on 4 February and will continue until mid-March. What's the Story? Swedish air force air policing mission operating from Keflavík Airport from 4 February to mid-March Six JAS Gripen aircraft and around 110 personnel deployed in coordination with NATO command centres Part of NATO’s rotating airspace surveillance over Iceland, which has no standing air force Swedish fighter jet. Photo: Wikimedia. CC. Alliance Mission Rotation The detachment includes six JAS Gripen fighter aircraft and around 110 personnel, including flight crews, air traffic controllers and maintenance staff. Operations are coordinated with NATO command and control centres in Germany. The deployment forms part of NATO’s rotating air policing arrangement, which supports surveillance and readiness in Icelandic airspace. Iceland does not maintain a standing air force, and allied states take turns providing patrol aircraft. Commander Johan Legardt said in a statement that the mission will also be used to test new operational methods, including incorporating information on space weather and space activity into decision-making. Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, Iceland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, said Sweden’s participation demonstrates how NATO membership strengthens defence cooperation and security. Weather permitting, training flights to alternate airports in Akureyri and Egilsstaðir are expected in early February.