British F-35B jets arrive in Iceland for NATO air policing mission

British F-35B jets have begun arriving in Iceland this week to participate in a significant NATO air policing mission, marking a notable commitment to safeguarding allied airspace in the Arctic region.

The deployment, which includes pilots from the RAF's 617 Squadron, underscores the UK’s ongoing dedication to NATO's collective defense efforts.

This mission is part of NATO’s permanent peacetime air policing operations, designed to ensure the security of Allied skies through continuous presence and readiness.

Fighter aircraft and crews are stationed at key locations, prepared to respond swiftly to any potential airspace violations.

The arrival of the F-35Bs comes on the heels of a reaffirmed UK commitment to NATO, as emphasized by the Prime Minister during the recent Summit in Washington.

The Prime Minister highlighted the UK’s resolute determination to bolster the Alliance and confront global threats facing Britain and its Western allies.

Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard, reinforced this commitment, “The UK is unshakeable in its commitment to NATO. With threats increasing and growing Russian aggression, it is vital that we stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies. This latest air policing mission in Iceland displays the UK’s ability to operate and deter our adversaries across the alliance’s airspace.”

Following a successful air policing operation in Romania, where six Typhoon fighter jets and over 200 personnel were stationed at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, the RAF has now transitioned its focus to Iceland.

This deployment features four state-of-the-art F-35B Lightning jets from 617 Squadron, which have traveled from RAF Marham to undertake the mission.

This marks the first time since 2019 that British jets have been involved in such activities in Iceland. During that previous mission, four Typhoon jets conducted 59 training sorties and over 180 practice intercepts.

The F-35B Lightning, known for its advanced sensors, mission systems, and stealth technology, offers a significant tactical advantage by evading enemy radar detection.

This multi-role combat aircraft is highly versatile, capable of operating from both land and sea, and is held at high readiness for global deployment in support of UK and NATO operations.

Group Captain John Butcher, Lightning Force Commander, remarked, “This will be the first time that the Lightning Force has deployed to contribute to NATO Air Policing, and will no doubt once again prove the flexibility that this platform offers as it demonstrates its capability to operate from both a land and maritime environment.”

In addition to the Iceland mission, RAF Typhoons and Voyagers continue to conduct air policing in the UK through the Quick Reaction Alert Force, based at RAF Coningsby, Lossiemouth, and Brize Norton. This force ensures the protection of UK airspace around the clock, every day of the year.