Spanish Air and Space Force Deploys for first time to Iceland for NATO Air Policing Mission
NATO Allied Air Command
Jul 28 2025
RAMSTEIN, Germany -- The Spanish Air and Space Force has deployed six EF/A-18M Hornet fighter jets to Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, in support of NATO's air policing mission.
This deployment marks a significant milestone as it is the first time Spain has stationed to Iceland for this mission and bolsters the Alliance's commitment to collective defense and regional security.
The Spanish detachment will defend for the upcoming weeks NATO airspace in the Arctic Region and provide Airborne Surveillance and Interception Capabilities to meet Iceland's Peacetime Preparedness Needs (ASIC IPPN).
The Spanish Hornets, supported during the ferry flight by a French A330 tanker, recently landed in Keflavik Air Base under NATO's integrated Air Policing framework to grant quick reaction alert (QRA). "We are fully committed to NATO's Air Policing mission," said Lieutenant Colonel Ichaso. "We are pleased to be in Iceland for the first time, and we stand ready to secure the skies and ensure a credible deterrence posture" he added.
The detachment comprises six E/F-18M Hornet fighters, tactical support personnel, and logistical assets. They will conduct routine QRA intercepts, airspace surveillance and identification flights, as well as training sorties with multinational partners. The ASIC IPPN mission also comes alongside with the Spanish simultaneous deployment in Lithuania, underscoring Spain's steadfast commitment to NATO Air Policing.
Since 2008, Allies have conducted air surveillance missions over Iceland as part of NATO's commitment to Iceland's security and defense, which preserves the security of Allied skies. This is a collective task that involves the continuous presence of fighter aircraft and crews, ready to react quickly to possible airspace violations.
Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office
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