IRIA News

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The Finnish Air Force deployed four F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets and about 50 personnel to Iceland to support NATO’s Air Policing mission and bolster airborne surveillance and interception capabilities under Iceland’s Peacetime Preparedness Needs (ASIC IPPN).

Finland became the 12th allied nation to deploy its air forces with fighter jets to Keflavik Air Base in support of the NATO mission. The NATO Air Policing in Iceland started in 2008 and France was the first allied nation to deploy its air forces with Mirage 2000-5 jets.

The Finnish Air Force’s F/A-18 Hornet detachment received NATO certification on January 30, 2025, and is now fully mission-ready to safeguard Arctic airspace. Currently on Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) in Iceland until late February 2025, Finnish fighter controllers are working closely with the Icelandic Coast Guard and the Control and Reporting Centre located in Keflavik, to uphold NATO airspace security.

On February 5, 2025, Iceland and Finland hosted a joint media day allowing media access to Keflavik air base and offering insights into operations. According to the NATO Allied Air Command (AIRCOM) statement, “The infrastructure at Keflavik Air Base and the support from the Icelandic Coast Guards and Host Nation ensure the successful execution of this reoccurring NATO mission.”

Commander of Lapland Air Wing of Finnish Air Force Colonel Saku Joukas, “We reaffirm our commitment to collective defense and to the security of this 32-nation alliance by our presence here in Iceland”

Colonel Saku Joukas added, “I am really honored for the opportunity given to Lapland Air Wing and the entire Finnish Air Force to lead, for the first time autonomously, a NATO Air policing mission working alongside and collaborating with our Icelandic counterparts.”

Icelandic Coast Guard Keflavik Base Commander, Captain Jon Gudnason said, “It is a pleasure to welcome the Finnish Air Force to Iceland for their first participation in Icelandic NATO’s Air Policing mission. The deployment marks a significant moment for NATO and both our nations, reinforcing our mutual commitment to collective security in the North Atlantic region.”

Captain Gudnason further highlighted that the Finnish Air Force’s presence with “F18s Hornet jets is a tangible sign of strong bond and our common determination to protect the skies of the Alliance. The detachment provides the Interception and the Airborne control essential to the mission here in Iceland”.

Finland has been engaged with NATO since joining the Partnership for Peace Programme in 1994 and has participated in various NATO-led missions. In 2014, Finland joined Norway, Iceland, the Netherlands, and Sweden, as a partner nation, in the Iceland Air Meet 2014, conducting air defense exercises.

Following its NATO accession, Finland deployed seven F/A-18 Hornets to Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base in Romania, as part of NATO’s Air Shielding mission, operating alongside the Royal Air Force’s Typhoon jets.

Finland is also set to deploy its F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets in support of Allied Air Command’s Ramstein Flag 25, a large-scale live-fly tactical exercise, integrating with 14 Allied nations to reinforce its commitment to the NATO Alliance.

Iceland’s NATO Air Policing Mission

The Airborne Surveillance and Interception Capabilities to meet Iceland’s Peacetime Preparedness Needs (ASIC IPPN) mission ensures aerial surveillance and interception over Iceland, safeguarding NATO airspace.

After the U.S. withdrew its forces in 2008, NATO took over the mission, as Iceland lacks its own air force. This allows NATO and Icelandic personnel to train and prepare for rapid Air Policing operations.

NATO aircraft, ground crews, and controllers conduct air surveillance and control from Keflavik by deploying fighter jets. The NATO air forces are usually deployed three times a year for three to four weeks.