Security and Defence
The Icelandic Coast Guard is responsible for operational defence tasks in Iceland including but not limited to operation of NATO – Keflavik Air Base, Security Zones, Iceland Air Defence Systems,, its remote radar and communication sites, including Communication and Information Systems. Host Nation Support is provided for all Allied visiting forces operating in Iceland.
The NATO Iceland Air Defence System (IADS) is an integral part of NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defene System (NATINAMDS). The NATO Control and Reporting Centre (CRC) Keflavik, is connected to the Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC), Uedem in Germany and neighboring CRC's.
The Icelandic Cost Guard provides Host Nation Support for NATO and Allied visiting forces when operating out of Iceland.
NATO Air Policing in Iceland
NATO Air Policing is a peacetime collective defence mission, safeguarding the integrity of the NATO Alliance Member's Airspace. The principle of collective defence is at the very heart of NATO's founding treaty. It remains a unique and enduring principle that binds its members together, committing them to protect each other and setting a spirit of solidarity within the Alliance. In fact all member nations contribute in some form to NATO Air policing, be it through the use of national aerial surveillance systems, air traffic management, interceptor aircraft or other air defence measures.
NATO Air Policing ensures the integrity of Allies' airspace and protects Alliance nations by maintaining 24/7 Air Policing. The mission is carried out under the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence System (NATINAMDS). For NATO nations that do not have the necessary air capabilities, agreements exist to ensure a standard of airspace security within SACEUR's area of responsibility.
NATO Allied Air Command's Air Policing peacetime mission involves the use of the Air Surveillance and Control System (ASACS), Air Command and Control and appropriate air assets, so called Quick Reaction Air (Intercept) or QRA(I) fast jets. Air Policing scrambles respond to military and civilian aircraft in distress and/or that do not follow international flight regulations and approach Allies' airspace.
NATO Air Policing mission rests under the oversight and guidance of Allied Air Command (AIRCOM). NATO's Combined Air Operations Centres (CAOCs) at Uedem, Germany execute the mission. The CAOCs monitor the whole operation and report to HQ AIRCOM where all information about intercepts is registered in the Air Policing and Reporting section. All scrambles are initiated by a CAOC and conducted with NATO-assigned aircraft.