Air Policing critical to Arctic strategy

Photo By Senior Master Sgt. Matthew Plew | U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagles, assigned to the 493rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, conduct a routine aerial mission in support of NATO Air Police operations at Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, Oct. 20, 2020. Operations and exercises like the NATO Air Police mission, uphold international rule-based order, and maintain a steadfast layer of collective defense for all allied Arctic members. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Master Sgt. Matthew Plew)  

KEFLAVIK, ICELAND

10.20.2020

Story by Master Sgt. Matthew Plew 

48th Fighter Wing

KEFLAVIK, Iceland--U.S. Airmen and F-15C/D Eagle fighter aircraft assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, are deployed to Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, in support of peacetime NATO Air Police missions in the region.

Iceland’s geography makes it a key NATO ally, with its strategic remote radar and communication sites, providing 24/7/365 air surveillance for continued Allied operations in the Arctic.

“The Arctic is among the world’s most strategically significant regions,” said Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett.

Seven out of eight Arctic nations are NATO members or enhanced opportunity partners.

Its increased strategic importance, coupled with allied force’s significant regional investment, demands enhanced interoperability. Operations and exercises like the NATO Air Police mission, uphold international rule-based order, and maintain a steadfast layer of collective defense for all allied Arctic members.

The United States Air Force will provide intercept and air defense capabilities to meet Iceland’s operational needs and provide domain vigilance over the Arctic area of responsibility for the month of October.

• Date Taken: 10.20.2020
• Date Posted: 10.20.2020 14:52
• Story ID: 381333
• Location: KEFLAVIK, IS