A three week Icelandic air space patrol mission by the German Luftwaffe begins today while discussion continues about a possible Nordic takeover.
Iceland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Össur Skarphéðinsson, says that air cover has been arranged for the country for the next two years. Iceland has no military of its own. There are serious discussions in progress about whether the Nordic countries should take over Iceland’s air defence from NATO.
The US Air Force last took responsibility for Icelandic air space in August and now the Germans have taken over.
There are around 150 German air force personnel taking part in the Icelandic operation and they have brought four F4 fighters with them; as well as some 40 shipping containers and a variety of motor vehicles. Exercises will take place this week around Akureyri and Egilsstaðir.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs told RÚV that the German patrols and exercises are standard in nature and that the Americans will come in the summer and be followed by the Portuguese air force later in the year. Regular air patrols have been organised for the next two years and will be similar in nature to patrols over the Baltic nations and form part of the wider NATO preparedness mission over European airspace.
Despite the patrol of Icelandic airspace having gone very well since the permanent American military presence ended in 2006, there are now discussions under way that could see big changes. The former Norwegian foreign minister, Thorvald Stoltenberg, three years ago floated the idea of the Nordic countries co-operatively taking over the defence of Icelandic airspace. The idea is being seriously discussed, but it all hinges on decisions made in Sweden and Finland, which are not NATO countries.
Össur says he is positive about the idea, which has been discussed many times at Nordic foreign ministers’ meetings — adding that he sees building support for the idea in Sweden and Finland. Despite this, the foreign ministers have never made a joint decision or statement on the matter to date, as it would be such a big step for all nations involved.
Russia has increased its military activity in Arctic areas during past years.
For example Russia has established new well-trained and well-equipped Arctic brigades (one in Pechenga area very nearby border of Norway and border of Finland, one is planned to locate in Alakurtti area from 50 km from Finnish border). Main purpose of these brigades is protect and monitor Russian interests in Arctic region.
Russians long-distance bombers flies very near of Norwegian coast and trainees to hit targets in Western Europe, for example in Britain.
Russian military flights nearby Iceland are the same military activities.
Russia is planning to use 500 billion dollars to strengthen its military power during next 10 years.
Russia is strongly arms racing.
The best solution is that US bring back its troops to Keflavik to protect Iceland.
We in Finland and Scandinavia can concentrate to develope our own defence, not to send Hornets to Iceland. The possible military threat is Russia. And it threats us much closer than in Iceland.
Finland should monitor airspace of Balticum with NATO and Sweden. Finnish Hornets can also monitor airspace of Norway and Sweden. And Norwegian and Swedish air craft can monitor Finnish air space.
In fact there are much military co-operation between Finland, Sweden, Baltic states and NATO nowadays. For example Finnish troops exercise almost every year in Balticum with NATO.
>We are prepared to sacrifice the Westman Islands in the event of an invasion
We have developed a machine gun based on the M61 Vulcan. It fires 35mm rounds of mackerel at a rate of 100 per second. No aerial attack or sea attack could possibly withstand the barrage. And Iceland has been steadily building up its stocks of mackerel. We have at least enough mackerel munition stock to maintain a staunch defence of the sacred rock.
Mainland rock though is more valuable than offshore island rock.
@Knowless, LOL…I just wish to be around when it will happen, I don’t want to miss!!
Another Bob says:
March 5, 2012 at 7:32 pm
“Why do you need air patrols? What country is going to attack you?”
Iceland is a desirable ally for NATO and EU, primarily because of location. The value of that location has not diminished since the break up the SU. On the contrary shipping lines carry more traffic and Russian air force activity has actually increased. It is not a question of who will attack, it is to limit that possibility and NATO is our dog, marking the boundaries.
“How much is it costing Icelandic tax payers?”
NATO sponsors the costs. I presume Iceland pays a NATO membership fee of sorts and partakes in NATO operations.
“Why don’t you have your own defence force to combat possible terrorist acts? Are you prepared and equipt to counter a terrorist attack on your capital, towns, villages, airlines, airports? Do you have sufficient, armed, manpower to combat any threat from outside that will come into your country via Keflavik or any other part of the country? “
We can handle the enemy from within.
We are prepared to sacrifice the Westman Islands in the event of an invasion
We have developed a machine gun based on the M61 Vulcan. It fires 35mm rounds of mackerel at a rate of 100 per second. No aerial attack or sea attack could possibly withstand the barrage. And Iceland has been steadily building up its stocks of mackerel. We have at least enough mackerel munition stock to maintain a staunch defence of the sacred rock.
Mainland rock though is more valuable than offshore island rock.
Another Bob never learns!
We learned a lesson in the two world wars. Slowly we start to gain pride once again to be Germans.
Violence is never bringing any solution to conflicts, this is an iron clad rule. Of course self defence is necessary, but you will see were the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq will lead your country. The two not only turn worth the reputation of America in the region is damaged for ages. People will remember a mad man going maniac after 3000 lives were taken by terrorists. Killing millions in revenge and bringing about the opposite of the intent: Making more terrorists!
People like you Bob are as short sighted as your name is.
Geez, Another Bob! Do you sell fear for a living? We have our Coast Guard, we have our SWAT, we have our very capable police force, hostage negotiators, bomb squad (who have been involved in action abroad along with the Coast Guard vessels) and Peace Keepers which are dispatched to other countries in need as per NATO procedure.
We’re not helpless you know, we just don’t have a military and we really don’t see any reason to have one…at all. Who’s going to attack us? Some rebels in Pakistan who just found us on a map? We enjoy the luxury of being small, some would say “insignificant” (they’re jerks by the way), and we therefore don’t have as much to fear as some of the larger countries.
I imagine the cost of asking one of our allies for assistance and patrols is diminutive in comparison to operating our own fleet of patrol aircraft (we have one already) especially at this time, when real money is a rare thing.
In the future, who knows, maybe we’ll be buying the Germans’ outdated F4s.
“I think it makes sense for the Germans to use the F-4?s, if they encounter “enemies” it will probably be Russians, and they will also be flying old diesel fueled fighters.”
The UK used the F-4 to intercept Russian ‘Bear’ bombers for many years and they were fast enough to do the job.
Diesel is a very good jet fuel, if you keep it warm.
Canada is about to replace its old jets (F-18) for the new F-35, worry not my friends we will protect you! Here we come……..
It is the duty of friendly and enable countries to protect iceland from the cruel and harsh realities of the planet the are a kind and gentle people who need protection.Every things going to be alright rest easy we are on guard for you.
I think it makes sense for the Germans to use the F-4?s, if they encounter “enemies” it will probably be Russians, and they will also be flying old diesel fueled fighters.
The Germans may need to sell the good jets when they have finished bailing out every crappy bank in Europe trough the EU rescue apparatus.
Oh no.. I am not a politician,but I find it said, that there is military everywhere in the world, wherever you are. You could do so many other good deeds with all that money.
Why do you need air patrols? What country is going to attack you?
How much is it costing Icelandic tax payers? Why don’t you have your own defence force to combat possible terrorist acts? Are you prepared and equipt to counter a terrorist attack on your capital, towns, villages, airlines, airports? Do you have sufficient, armed, manpower to combat any threat from outside that will come into your country via Keflavik or any other part of the country? Do you have intelligence systems in place that would give you warning of possible threats from outside, or indeed inside?
If you don’t have any of the above, you are a very soft target indeed.
Just an opinion, but remember Iceland is no longer a dot in the North Atlantic and there are some who will try to use you to their particular advantage. Beware.
Wow, the F-4’s are still flying. Due for retirement this year I believe.
If they stay for two years they could be the last examples flying – outside Iran.