Americans To Patrol Iceland Airspace

The Americans are returning – albeit temporarily – to guard Iceland’s airspace.

The Icelandic Coast Guard reports that American forces will be arriving in Iceland on May 12. 220 soldiers in all will be arriving, and will be conducting their air exercises from May 14 to 16.

These forces will be bringing with them an undisclosed number of F-15 fighter jets and C-130 military transport planes. It is expected that most of those stationed will be in Akureyri, and possibly Egilsstaðir.

The patrolling and air exercises are a part of Iceland’s participation in NATO. Although without a military of its own, Iceland does allow other NATO countries to patrol its airspace and conducted flight exercises. These exercises, however, are not without their critics.