Key Takeaways
- Sweden will deploy a Gripen fighter unit to Iceland.
- The deployment supports NATO’s incident preparedness mission.
- A fighter division equivalent to eight to twelve aircraft will operate from Keflavik Air Base.
Sweden Sends Gripen Fighters to Iceland for NATO Arctic Air Policing
Stockholm Deploys Fighter Jets in NATO Operation Amid Arctic Security Concerns
Sweden will deploy a Gripen fighter unit to Iceland in February and March 2026 to support NATO’s incident preparedness mission. This is the first time Skaraborg Air Flotilla has participated with a fighter unit in a NATO operation, Breaking Defense reports. The deployment follows Sweden’s participation in NATO’s Joint Force Command Norfolk operational area since late 2025. According to AeroTime, Vice Admiral Ewa Skoog Haslum said the Arctic region is ‘an important piece of the puzzle’ in defense of the alliance. The Swedish Armed Forces have extensive experience operating under NATO leadership in Poland last year, and will contribute to stability and security in the area.
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