Belgium has deployed four F-16 fighter jets and around 100 military personnel to Keflavik Air Base in Iceland as part of NATO’s Air Policing mission, marking the second such deployment in a year.
The mission aims to protect Icelandic airspace, as the country has no air force of its own despite its strategic location between Europe and North America. Belgian F-16 crews provide NATO’s Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) capability, remaining ready to intercept unidentified or suspicious aircraft at short notice.
Defence Minister Theo Francken highlighted Belgium’s pride in contributing to the alliance’s collective defence, while military officials underlined Iceland’s importance for monitoring activity in the North Atlantic, including potential Russian military movements.
The month-long deployment will also be the final Iceland mission for the Belgian Air Force’s F-16 fleet. Future rotations are expected to be carried out by Belgium’s new F-35 fighters, with Iceland offering an ideal environment to exploit the aircraft’s advanced capabilities.