Finland’s Air Force On Duty For Icelandic Air Policing
F/A-18 Hornets of the Finnish Air Force are now operational for NATO’s Icelandic Air Policing mission, with the Finnish aircraft based at Keflavik Air Base for Quick Reaction Alert duties.
The Finnish detachment of four Hornets and around 50 personnel were declared ready for the Quick Reaction Alert mission with the awarding of NATO certification on January 30. The Finnish detachment will be tasked with the mission until the end of February.
Over the course of the deployment, Finnish fighter controllers will closely collaborate with the Icelandic Coast Guard and personnel from “Loki”, the Control and Reporting Centre located in Keflavik, to ensure the security of NATO airspace in the Arctic region.
“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” said Captain Jon Gudnason, Icelandic Coast Guard Keflavik Base Commander. “Their presence with F18s Hornet jets is a tangible sign of strong bond and our common determination to protect the skies of the Alliance,” added Captain Gudnason. “The detachment provide the Interception and the Airborne control essential to the mission here in Iceland”.
The deployment to Keflavik is the Finnish Air Force’s second deployment for a NATO Air Policing mission, after a two month deployment to Romania in June 2024 for NATO’s Air Policing and Air Shielding mission there.
During an inspection of the Finnish detachment on February 7, Finnish Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, Lieutenant General Kari Nisula said the deployment was a “concrete” demonstration of Finland’s commitment to NATO’s joint air defense. In addition to building experience in operations as a NATO ally, the general added that the different operating environment in Iceland provided another dimension for the Finnish Air Force to learn in.