Important NATO member deploys fighter jets to Iceland for air policing mission

Countering increased Russian activity in the North Atlantic

Countering increased Russian activity in the North Atlantic, Spain responds to NATO Strategy, Deterrence and surveillance operation, Mission 'Stinga': a Spanish presence in Keflavik, Intervention within minutes, Spain, a committed NATO ally, An active and sustained role, A new challenge for the Spanish armed forces, Intensive simulator sessions, An operation resulting from months of coordination

In an unprecedented move, Spain sent six F-18 fighter jets to Iceland to join NATO's air patrol duties in the North Atlantic, a strategic area marked by increased Russian military activity.

Spain responds to NATO Strategy

Countering increased Russian activity in the North Atlantic, Spain responds to NATO Strategy, Deterrence and surveillance operation, Mission 'Stinga': a Spanish presence in Keflavik, Intervention within minutes, Spain, a committed NATO ally, An active and sustained role, A new challenge for the Spanish armed forces, Intensive simulator sessions, An operation resulting from months of coordination

Following the Madrid Summit in 2022, NATO redefined its strategic posture, identifying Russia as the main threat. According to the Spanish Ministry of Defense, the country has assumed new surveillance roles in line with this vision, expanding its presence in Europe.

Deterrence and surveillance operation

Countering increased Russian activity in the North Atlantic, Spain responds to NATO Strategy, Deterrence and surveillance operation, Mission 'Stinga': a Spanish presence in Keflavik, Intervention within minutes, Spain, a committed NATO ally, An active and sustained role, A new challenge for the Spanish armed forces, Intensive simulator sessions, An operation resulting from months of coordination

The operation, which will run until mid-August 2025, is part of a crucial deterrence and surveillance operation in the North Atlantic. With this deployment, Spain has consolidated its strategic role in collective defense and expanded its presence in key NATO missions.

Mission 'Stinga': a Spanish presence in Keflavik

Countering increased Russian activity in the North Atlantic, Spain responds to NATO Strategy, Deterrence and surveillance operation, Mission 'Stinga': a Spanish presence in Keflavik, Intervention within minutes, Spain, a committed NATO ally, An active and sustained role, A new challenge for the Spanish armed forces, Intensive simulator sessions, An operation resulting from months of coordination

The Spanish mission is being carried out from Keflavik Air Base (pictured) in southern Iceland, where up to 122 service members will be deployed, including pilots, mechanics, weapons, logistics, and security specialists, according to the Spanish newspaper ‘El Mundo’.

Intervention within minutes

Countering increased Russian activity in the North Atlantic, Spain responds to NATO Strategy, Deterrence and surveillance operation, Mission 'Stinga': a Spanish presence in Keflavik, Intervention within minutes, Spain, a committed NATO ally, An active and sustained role, A new challenge for the Spanish armed forces, Intensive simulator sessions, An operation resulting from months of coordination

According to a statement issued by the Spanish Defense Staff (EMAD) on July 21, 2025, the Spanish deployment in Iceland requires an almost immediate response capacity, with fighters prepared to intercept potential threats within minutes.

Spain, a committed NATO ally

Countering increased Russian activity in the North Atlantic, Spain responds to NATO Strategy, Deterrence and surveillance operation, Mission 'Stinga': a Spanish presence in Keflavik, Intervention within minutes, Spain, a committed NATO ally, An active and sustained role, A new challenge for the Spanish armed forces, Intensive simulator sessions, An operation resulting from months of coordination

Participation in international missions consolidates Spain's role as an ally committed to collective defense. This operation demonstrates Madrid's full integration into the Allied military architecture.

An active and sustained role

Countering increased Russian activity in the North Atlantic, Spain responds to NATO Strategy, Deterrence and surveillance operation, Mission 'Stinga': a Spanish presence in Keflavik, Intervention within minutes, Spain, a committed NATO ally, An active and sustained role, A new challenge for the Spanish armed forces, Intensive simulator sessions, An operation resulting from months of coordination

Spain has played an active and sustained role in key operations in Latvia, Romania, and Bulgaria, which has given it operational experience, rapid deployment capabilities, and prestige within NATO for its cooperative capacity and deterrent value against Russia.

A new challenge for the Spanish armed forces

Countering increased Russian activity in the North Atlantic, Spain responds to NATO Strategy, Deterrence and surveillance operation, Mission 'Stinga': a Spanish presence in Keflavik, Intervention within minutes, Spain, a committed NATO ally, An active and sustained role, A new challenge for the Spanish armed forces, Intensive simulator sessions, An operation resulting from months of coordination

However, the deployment to Iceland represents an operational challenge for the Spanish Armed Forces, which has no prior experience in this type of military deployment in the North Atlantic.

Intensive simulator sessions

Countering increased Russian activity in the North Atlantic, Spain responds to NATO Strategy, Deterrence and surveillance operation, Mission 'Stinga': a Spanish presence in Keflavik, Intervention within minutes, Spain, a committed NATO ally, An active and sustained role, A new challenge for the Spanish armed forces, Intensive simulator sessions, An operation resulting from months of coordination

To address the specific conditions of the North Atlantic, the team has reinforced its training through intensive simulator sessions, ‘El Mundo’ reported.

An operation resulting from months of coordination

Countering increased Russian activity in the North Atlantic, Spain responds to NATO Strategy, Deterrence and surveillance operation, Mission 'Stinga': a Spanish presence in Keflavik, Intervention within minutes, Spain, a committed NATO ally, An active and sustained role, A new challenge for the Spanish armed forces, Intensive simulator sessions, An operation resulting from months of coordination

The mission is the result of complex planning involving various units of the Spanish Air Force and Space Force, as well as NATO command structures. This joint effort reflects the high level of preparedness of Spanish forces within the allied architecture.

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