617 Squadron have successfully completed their first land-based NATO Air Policing mission in Iceland.
Having been fully accredited by NATO since Friday 9th August, the Squadron, made up of both Royal Navy and Royal Air Force personnel, have sustained a full 3 and a half weeks of Quick Reaction Alert.
“I’m very proud of 617 Squadron in completing our first NATO Air Policing mission. Unlocking another capability for UK F-35B, the Dambusters have once again led from the front."
Wing Commander Campbell
Officer Commanding 617 Squadron
This is the second time the RAF has completed an Icelandic Air Policing mission for NATO. Previously 1 (Fighter) Squadron deployed to the country in 2019 with Typhoons. Completing this iteration of NATO Air Policing allowed the Squadron to get more flying training in this unique country.
“This first formal operational deployment of RAF F-35B fighter jets was a needed and important milestone for Iceland in preparing for future missions and challenges. The knowledge will improve all future NATO missions in Iceland."
Captain Jón B. Guðnason
Keflavik Air Base Commander
One of the F-35B pilots, Lieutenant Goldman, said, “over the last 4 weeks we have been able to practice diversions to mountainous airfields, conduct 1v1 Basic Fighter Manoeuvres known as dogfighting, 2v1 intercepts as a part of the NATO QRA Validation process and practice short landings and take-offs from the Air Base. This is well within the capability of the F-35B as it is uniquely designed to take-off using only 350ft of runway on the Queen Elizabeth class carriers.”
The detachment was supported by over 9 different professions, ranging from Aircrew to Engineer, from Cyberspace to Logistics, from both the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy. Some professions, predominantly Logistics, deployed out to Theatre 4 weeks before the main party arrived.
With Operation Masterer completed, 617 Squadron now prepare to forward deploy to HMS Prince of Wales in mid-September.
