Alongside airspace protection duties, the Czech forces will operate from Keflavík Air Base to contribute to the security of the North Atlantic and support the training of Icelandic personnel. Since Iceland does not maintain its own air force, its airspace is regularly safeguarded by NATO allies.
“The JAS-39C Gripen fighter jets will maintain quick reaction alert status under the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence System (NATINAMDS) to preserve the integrity and security of allied airspace,” said Major General Jaroslav Míka, Deputy Commander of the Czech Armed Forces Operations Command. “While on mission, our pilots will not only respond to aircraft violating international air traffic rules or entering allied airspace, but will also assist in the training of Icelandic air controllers at the CRC (Control and Reporting Centre), who cannot rely on a national air force,” he added.
In line with the official mandate, the deployment includes five Gripen aircraft and up to 95 personnel, mostly from Čáslav Air Base, supported by additional specialists from the Czech Army. The Czech contingent will assume operational duties on 31 May 2025 for a duration of about five weeks.
Czech Gripens previously safeguarded Icelandic airspace in 2014, 2015, and 2016, and patrolled the Baltic states in 2009, 2012, 2019, and 2022. “This is our eighth mission of this kind. All procedures and preparations are fully mastered. With this deployment, we are fulfilling our commitment to NATO. The operational task remains unchanged, as we have already served in Iceland in the past,” said Brigadier General Jaroslav Tomaňa, Commander of the Čáslav Base.
The 8th Task Force will be led by Lieutenant Colonel Vladimír “SNAKE” Málek, one of Čáslav’s most experienced fighter pilots and current commander of the 211th Tactical Squadron. Due to the long distance to Iceland, the Gripens were supported mid-flight by an Airbus A330 MRTT tanker aircraft carrying ground personnel.
The jets will be armed with standard weaponry used within NATINAMDS and will operate over the Arctic and North Atlantic Oceans. For safety, pilots will wear specialised gear such as the Isolerdräkt 97, a waterproof neoprene suit designed to prevent rapid hypothermia in case of ejection into cold waters.
The deployment underscores the reliability and readiness of the Czech Armed Forces to meet their NATO collective defence commitments. With experience from previous missions, thorough preparation, and a professional approach, the Czech contingent is fully equipped to secure allied airspace and strengthen cooperation in the North Atlantic.
Source: Czech Armed Forces.
