Italian Air Force Eurofighter aircraft recently arrived at Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, to start their four-week deployment to deliver NATO Airborne Surveillance and Intercept Capabilities to meet Iceland’s Peacetime Preparedness Needs.
During the deployment the Italian Air Force draws on the experiences gained during previous missions executed in 2013, 2017 and 2018. According to a news release:
“In the upcoming weeks they will conduct Icelandic Air Surveillance, provide intercept capabilities and participate in training activities to maintain and hone skills, proficiency and interoperability.
Cooperating with their colleagues from the Icelandic Coast Guard, the Italian Air Force detachment is comprised of approximately 130 men and women operating and maintaining the aircraft.”
The Italian Air Force detachment was certified as fully operationally capable by a team from the Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC) at Uedem, Germany say NATO. The team’s leader, Lieutenant Colonel Willi May, stated that “the members of the Italian detachment were well prepared for the NATO mission here in Iceland.”
NATO has undertaken this peacetime NATO mission in Iceland since 2008. Given its unique geographical location, Allies and the Icelandic authorities agree that maintaining a periodic presence of NATO fighter aircraft at Keflavik Air Base preserves the ability to safeguard Icelandic airspace.
“The peacetime preparedness mission involves a deployment of fighter aircraft from an Allied nation – Italy is the first Ally to execute the mission in 2019,” said Jon B. Gudnason, Keflavik Air Base Commander.
“This approach ensures the Alliance can conduct full-scale peacetime Air Policing activities at the shortest possible notice, if required by real world events,” he added.
That is a stunning picture!
Disturbing to hear that the Chinese are making significant efforts to cuddle up to Greenland. That’s one hell of a chunk of of the GIUK. Add in potential Diego Garcia moves, etc and we will have a fight on our hands at some point.
Not surprising. They already practically own most of Africa and are starting on South America.
Looks amazing that picture… I think the Typhoon is one of the best looking fighter jets out there.. Just like the British Aerospace EAP Aircraft. Or the beautiful Harrier Jump Jet! Shit I also love the Tonka just as much…I think I’m Biased!
Do Russian aircraft ever get as far as Icelandic airspace? I’m guessing they do but wonder why there isn’t a permanent detachment. I have flown through Kevlavik a few times in recent years and never seen any sign of a QRA detachment
The Russians have flown more recon missions with bombers than at anytime since the cold war in the last few years. They go right up where they are ‘allowed’. Not covered much on the news, but yes, thet certainly have increased their range and frequency
Watch out Iceland, if Russian aircraft end up in Icelandic airspace the Italians will probably switch to their side
Levi – that’s out of order mate
they looked after our boys and girls when we were launching strikes into Libya
would rather have their Typhoons patrolling than some of our other more flaky NATO allies