Belgium has stationed four F-16 fighter jets and 100 military personnel at Iceland’s Keflavik Air Base as part of NATO’s 'Icelandic Air Policing' operation.
Iceland is the only NATO member without a standing military, but its strategic location—midway between Europe and North America—makes it crucial for the alliance.
Belgium’s F-16s will monitor the northern air route near Iceland and Greenland, a corridor frequently used by Russian bombers heading towards Western Europe.
“Iceland does not have an air force, which is why NATO allies take turns ensuring its airspace is secure,” said Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken. “Our F-16s must be ready to scramble within 15 minutes in case of a threat.”
This marks Belgium’s first involvement in Icelandic airspace surveillance, although its air force has participated in similar missions over the Baltic states for more than two decades.
The deployment also serves as a valuable opportunity to enhance cooperation and streamline procedures with other NATO members, according to the Defence Ministry.
Francken emphasised that this operation is more than a training exercise. “Our message to Moscow is clear: anyone testing our borders or those of our allies will see that we are ready,” he said.
The Belgian detachment, which arrived on 14 August, is set to continue its mission until 15 September.
