On February 4, 2026, the Swedish Armed Forces announced that six JAS 39 Gripen fighters from Skaraborg Air Wing F 7 had landed at Keflavík Air Base in Iceland to support NATO Air Policing during February and March 2026. The deployment, marks the 55th air policing rotation over Iceland, but the first led by the Swedish Air Force since Sweden joined NATO. A complementary announcement by NATO Allied Air Command on February 6 described the mission as a historic moment for the Alliance’s newest Ally, underlining how Stockholm’s accession has already translated into concrete operational commitments. In a context of heightened tension with Russia and growing military activity in the Arctic and North Atlantic, the move has implications that go well beyond Icelandic airspace alone. Read Full Defense News At This Link.
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| Six Swedish JAS 39 Gripen fighters have deployed to Iceland for NATO air policing, marking Sweden’s first operational contribution to Alliance air defense while reinforcing deterrence in the Arctic and North Atlantic (Picture Source: Britannica / NATO / Swedish Armed Forces) |