On 11 March 2026, the NATO Allied Air Command (AIRCOM) announced that Flygvapnet (the Swedish Air Force) had completed its deployment to Keflavík Air Base in Iceland. During this assignment, the Swedish fighter jets successfully carried out their first NATO Icelandic Air Policing mission, as part of the Alliance’s Arctic Sentry operations.
For the first time since Sweden joined NATO in March 2024, Flygvapnet has taken the lead in an air policing mission, marking a historic milestone for the country. A force of six Saab JAS 39 Gripen aircraft and more than 110 personnel from Skaraborgs Flygflottilj 7 (the Skaraborg Air Wing 7) were involved in ensuring security of the Icelandic airspace, as part of NATO’s readiness to respond to any incidents in the region.
“Serving in Iceland has been a proud moment for our team and for Sweden,” said Lieutenant Colonel Johan Legardt, Swedish Detachment Commander. “Operating in the High North is never easy, the weather, the distance and the conditions constantly test our people, but that is exactly the environment we train for at home. This deployment also provided the opportunity to work side by side with our Danish and German allies, different aircraft but one shared responsibility – safeguarding NATO airspace in the High North.”
NATO allied countries have been carrying out air policing missions over Iceland on a rotational basis, ensuring the security of this strategically important region of the North Atlantic since 2008. This time, it was the Swedish Air Force crews who, operating in the harsh Arctic conditions, maintaining constant combat readiness and integrating with NATO’s command and control structure under the direction of the Combined Air Operations Centre in Uedem, Germany.
During the mission, the Swedish contingent worked in close collaboration with other allied air forces operating in the region, including the Royal Danish Air Force and the German Air Force, flying the F-35 Lightning II and Eurofighter jets, respectively. Together, these multinational forces strengthened the NATO´s air presence in the Arctic region, proving that aircraft of different generations and capabilities can cooperate seamlessly within the integrated air and missile defence system of the Alliance.
To ensure the monitoring of airspace and the safety of civil and military aviation in the region, the Swedish contingent worked closely with the Icelandic authorities. This collaborative approach demonstrated the growing contribution that Sweden has made to NATO´s collective defence since joining the Alliance.
For Flygvapnet, this debut participation in the NATO Icelandic Air Policing mission was an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the versatility of the JAS 39 Gripen fighters and the experience of its personnel in operating in harsh climatic conditions. Designed and built with Sweden’s challenging weather conditions in mind, the Gripen is ideally suited to conducting operations in cold, windy and remote environments such as the Arctic.
Activities within the Arctic Sentry mission emphasise the increasing significance of the High North region for Euro-Atlantic security. The Arctic and the North Atlantic form a key strategic corridor connecting North America and Europe. This makes the region crucial for early warning systems, surveillance and collective defence. The presence of NATO forces in the region ensures stability and guarantees freedom of movement along the northern access routes to the Alliance.
The Swedish Air Force deployment to Iceland, additionally strengthens the presence and coordination of allied forces in the region.
More information about NATO Icelandic Air Policing missions can be also found in our previous articles: “Grim Reapers” over Iceland, Norwegian deployment opens another year of Iceland Air Policing and NATO Iceland Air Policing – the Finnish debut.
Cover photo: One of the Swedish Air Force Saab JAS 39 Gripen aircraft taking-off during NATO Icelandic Air Policing mission. Photo by Fanny Chesiere © Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office
Press materials of the Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office were used.
