JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft are shown during the mission. CTV News
Sweden has deployed six JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets to Iceland as part of a NATO air policing mission, marking the first time the country has led such operations there since joining the alliance in 2024.
The aircraft arrived at Keflavik Air Base in early February and will remain until mid-March. More than 110 Swedish Air Force personnel from Skaraborg Air Wing F7 are supporting the mission.
Iceland does not maintain its own air force. NATO members rotate responsibility to patrol its skies, protecting the airspace along a key route between North America and Europe.
Rising Global Tensions
The deployment comes at a time of growing geopolitical strain. Conflict in the Middle East continues to draw global attention. NATO has also launched “Arctic Sentry,” a new surveillance and security operation aimed at strengthening defence in the Arctic and high north.
This move follows recent comments from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Greenland, which have added to diplomatic tensions in the region.
Denmark has also contributed to the Iceland mission, sending four F-35 fighter jets to assist with air policing duties.
Showcasing the Gripen
Sweden’s presence in Iceland offers more than routine patrol duties. The mission provides an opportunity for Stockholm to demonstrate how its Gripen aircraft operate within NATO systems — including to Canada.
Christophe Premat, a professor at Stockholm University, said Canada and Sweden have grown closer in recent years.
“I would say it’s not only strategic interest or mutual respect,” said Premat, who described both countries as developing a stronger partnership. “I think that Sweden and Canada look at each other in the same way. They feel like fair players in international relations.”
NATO officials described Sweden’s leadership role in Iceland as a historic step for the alliance’s newest member.
Arctic Conditions Test Aircraft
The Arctic environment presents difficult conditions for pilots. Harsh weather, long distances and challenging flight paths demand reliable equipment and training.
“The Arctic environment presents unique operational challenges, including harsh weather, extended distances, and challenging flight conditions,” NATO’s Allied Air Command Public Affairs said in a statement.
Swedish aerospace company SAAB, which manufactures the Gripen, has said the aircraft was built with such demanding environments in mind.
Fighter Jet Debate in Canada
The Iceland mission unfolds as Canada continues to review its fighter jet plans. Ottawa previously announced a purchase of 88 American-made F-35 jets built by Lockheed Martin. However, Prime Minister Mark Carney ordered a review of that decision last year.
SAAB has urged the Canadian government to reconsider and select the Gripen instead. The company has proposed building the aircraft in Canada, stating that such a move could create 10,000 jobs.
Some defence analysts argue the F-35 best meets Canada’s long-term defence needs.
U.S. ambassador to Canada Peter Hoekstra has also warned that a full fleet purchase of F-35s supports cooperation under the NORAD continental defence agreement.
“One of the criteria for Norad is interchangeability and interoperability,” Hoekstra said last May. “So that would mean that we’re flying the same kinds of planes, we’re using the parts, and it’s all interchangeable, and it’s one system.”
He added in November that the “F-35 has been a phenomenal success” and that it represents an international partnership that includes Canada. “It’s not an American plane. It’s an international plane,” he said.
Decision Still Pending
As Sweden’s Gripens patrol Icelandic skies, Canada’s final decision on its fighter fleet remains undecided.
With rising tensions in the Middle East, increased military activity in the Arctic and renewed focus on North Atlantic security, the debate over Canada’s next fighter jet has taken on added urgency.
For now, Swedish aircraft continue to fly above Iceland, symbolizing both NATO unity and a growing conversation about northern defence.
