Czech Air Force take on NATO's Icelandic Air Policing mission
NATO Allied Air Command
May 27 2025
RAMSTEIN, Germany -- On May 22, 2025, Czech JAS-39 Gripen fighters landed in Keflavík, Iceland, as the Czech Air Force take on NATO's Air Policing mission in the Arctic Region.
The Czech Air Force have deployed with five Gripen fighter jets to Iceland for the Air Policing mission, deploying with around 80 personnel primarily from the 21st Tactical Air Force Base in Čáslav, they will also be supported by other military units for the period of the deployment.
The Czech detachment will provide Airborne Surveillance and Interception Capabilities to meet Iceland's Peacetime Preparedness Needs - or ASIC IPPN. The deployment marks the fourth time the Czech Air Force have taken on the ASIC IPPN mission, having completed similar missions in 2014, 2015, and 2016.
"We have mastered all procedures and preparations perfectly. With this deployment, we are fulfilling our commitment to NATO. The operational task remains unchanged — it is the same as in previous missions. We have already operated in Iceland in the past,". said Brigadier General Jaroslav Tomaňa, Commander of the 21st Tactical Air Base.
During their deployment the Czech fighter jets will be on Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) collaborating closely with the Icelandic Coast Guards and personnel from the Control and Reporting Centre Keflavík. Under the Command and Control of NATO's Combined Air Operations Centre in Uedem, Germany,
"For us it is both opportunity and commitment to utilize our training, equipment and experience for a common cause. We are proud to represent a small inland country in this beautiful, but challenging, environment." Said Lietenant Colnal Vladimir Málek, Commander of the Czech ASIC IPPN detachment. "The Icelandic hosts are doing a tremendous job to help us to accomplish our mission, and we are looking forward to spending the next few weeks with them" he added.
The Czech Air Force routinely contribute to NATO's Air Policing mission having completed many rotations in the Baltic Region, most recently in April 2022, when the Czech Gripens deployed to Šiauliai, Lithuania for six months. Demonstrating their steadfast commitment to NATO.
Since 2008, Allies have conducted air surveillance missions over Iceland, as part of NATO's commitment to Iceland's security and defence, which preserves the security of Allied skies. It is a collective task and involves the continuous presence of fighter aircraft and crews, which are ready to react quickly to possible airspace violations.
Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office
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