In Late July six Eurofighter jets and two A400M transport planes arrived at Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, and the German detachment is getting ready to commence exercise Rapid Viking 2023 in Iceland.

The deployment of a 50-strong contingent with six Eurofighters to the High North demonstrates Germany’s readiness and ability to swiftly employ an air power capability with lean structures to any location we are needed

“The deployment of a 50-strong contingent with six Eurofighters to the High North demonstrates Germany’s readiness and ability to swiftly employ an air power capability with lean structures to any location we are needed,” said the commander of the German Eurofighter detachment, Lieutenant Colonel Marco Brunhofer. “We are in Iceland for two weeks and intend to fly up to eight training sorties each day to familiarize with the Icelandic airspace and the staff of the NATO Control and Reporting Centre Keflavik who will tactically control our flying activities,” he added.

The German Air Force has started the deployment of a fighter capability to Iceland to conduct an Agile Combat Employment (ACE). From August 1 to 10, Eurofighters are conducting training in the High North and work the Icelandic Coast Guard and other regional Allies. Photo courtesy of German Air Force.

“The changed global security situation has had impacts on the High North, and against this background, the German Air Force makes a valuable contribution to Icelandic security and sovereignty and Alliance Deterrence and Defence,” Lieutenant Colonel Brunhofer. said. “Air Forces are first responders and need to be able to swiftly and efficiently project air power. With the deployment under Rapid Viking, we generate a maximum operational footprint with minimum personal and material resources,” he added.

„We welcome the deployment of the German Air Force to Iceland as it provides an important opportunity for deepening our bilateral cooperation while underlining commitment to this strategic region,“ said Captain Jon B. Gudnason, Commander of Keflavik Air Base.

The German deployment is a bilateral stand-alone training project. It is complementary to NATO’s enduring mission of providing Airborne Surveillance and Interception Capabilities to meet Iceland’s Peacetime Preparedness Needs (ASIC IPPN). This enduring peacetime mission is specific and unique to Iceland ensuring that Allies maintain a periodic presence of NATO fighter aircraft at Keflavik to help keep Icelandic airspace secure.

Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office based on information provided by the German Air Force.