Sweden reinforces Iceland with JAS Gripen

During the spring, the Swedish Armed Forces will take part in NATO’s quick reaction alert in Iceland. The Air Force will then send JAS 39 Gripen jets to help ensure stability and security in the area, which is located close to the politically sensitive issue of the Arctic island of Greenland, which the United States has expressed interest in incorporating as a state. At the same time, the deployment can be seen as a way to signal to the White House that Europe is taking responsibility for security, something that has previously been harshly criticized by the Trump administration.

In addition to fighter jets and pilots, ground personnel from the Skaraborg Air Wing will also participate in the deployment, which will initially take place during February and March.

The unit, corresponding to a full fighter division, will be based at the Icelandic air base in Keflavik during the mission.

Vice Admiral Ewa Skoog Haslum, head of operations, emphasizes the importance of the Arctic for Sweden’s and NATO’s shared security.

The deployment is presented as part of NATO’s increased focus on the Arctic, where member states are strengthening their presence to address security challenges in the region. The security threat in the area is often linked to Russia’s actions. At the same time, it is only the US that has expressed interest in making Greenland part of its territory.

– The Arctic is part of our new operating area in NATO and a strategically important region. It is a key piece in the defense of the alliance, and we know that Russia has ambitions in the Arctic. Our contributing to stability and security in the area now shows that Sweden and the Armed Forces are taking responsibility for NATO’s joint air defense tasks, she says.