Iceland hosted the exercise, which was led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and included U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and allied units. The forces refined joint procedures for the defense of Iceland and infrastructure considered critical to NATO while supporting deterrence across the Arctic and North Atlantic.
The exercise coincided with the 75th anniversary of the U.S.-Icelandic bilateral defense agreement. That relationship provided the framework for cooperation between Icelandic authorities, U.S. forces and other NATO allies during the training.
“Northern Viking is precisely a dynamic, practical demonstration of the commitments we have made to one another, underpinned by our shared interests,” said Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland. “Our readiness cannot be improvised during a crisis; it must be practiced, tested and refined beforehand.”
The 37th Airlift Squadron practiced landing on grass and sand strips, building its ability to operate from austere locations. Aircrews also supported search-and-rescue missions while adapting to the conditions that affect flying in the High North.
The 86th Medical Group worked on configuring aeromedical evacuation capabilities for any available aircraft. Participants also practiced rapidly establishing expeditionary operations at different locations when required.
The training culminated in simulated mass-casualty and search-and-rescue events involving Icelandic personnel and U.S. pararescuemen from the 38th Rescue Squadron. They secured incident sites, stabilized patients and carried out aeromedical transfers to higher levels of care.
“Operating in the rugged Icelandic environment provided realistic training that further strengthened our readiness to respond to any search and rescue event in the High North,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Luke Hamlin, 38th RQS combat rescue officer. “It was tremendously valuable working shoulder-to-shoulder with the Icelandic Coast Guard, building cohesion and sharing expertise.”
U.S. participants included the 86th Airlift Wing and 435th Air-Ground Operations Wing from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, the Texas Air National Guard’s 147th Attack Wing and the 38th Rescue Squadron from Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. U.S. Navy units also participated alongside allied military forces and civilian authorities.
For U.S. Air Forces in Europe–Air Forces Africa, Northern Viking 26 provided a venue for testing new capabilities and completing unit certifications. It also reinforced joint operating procedures intended to support a coordinated response to security challenges in the region.
“For 75 years, Iceland and the United States have built such a relationship,” Gunnarsdóttir said. “Today, together with Allies from across NATO, we continue to put that relationship into practice.”
