Czech Republic Deploys Gripen Fighter Jets to Safeguard Icelandic Airspace Under NATO Mission
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The Czech Republic has confirmed the deployment of its JAS-39C Gripen fighter jets to Iceland as part of NATO’s air policing mission. This operation, set to begin in May and last for approximately two months, aligns with the Alliance’s collective security commitments. As Iceland does not have a military air force, it relies on NATO allies to ensure the protection of its airspace. The Czech unit, designated ASICIPPN 2025 (Airborne Surveillance and Interception Capabilities to meet Iceland’s Peacetime Preparedness Needs), will operate from Keflavík Air Base, a key location for monitoring North Atlantic airspace.
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The Czech Republic operates a fleet of 14 Gripen aircraft, comprising 12 single-seat JAS 39Cs and 2 two-seat JAS 39Ds (Picture source: Czech MoD)
This marks the fourth deployment of Czech Air Force fighters in Iceland, following similar missions in 2014, 2015, and 2016. The NATO-led rotational system ensures continuous airspace protection over Iceland. Unlike the Baltic Air Policing mission, which involves longer deployments, operations in Iceland are shorter, following agreements between NATO and the Icelandic government.
The JAS 39 Gripen, developed by Saab, is an advanced multirole fighter designed for versatility and interoperability within NATO forces. Featuring a delta-canard aerodynamic configuration and a Fly-By-Wire flight control system, it provides high maneuverability, particularly in close combat. Powered by a Volvo Aero RM12 engine derived from the General Electric F404, it can reach a top speed of 2,200 km/h and has a range of 3,000 km. Its fully digital cockpit, equipped with multi-function displays and the HOTAS (Hands-On-Throttle-And-Stick) system, enhances mission efficiency. Designed for modularity and NATO compatibility, the Gripen is operational in Sweden, the Czech Republic, Hungary, South Africa, and Thailand.
The Gripen’s armament includes eight hardpoints, allowing it to carry a variety of weapons for different mission profiles. It can be equipped with air-to-air missiles such as the IRIS-T, Meteor, and AIM-120 AMRAAM, as well as air-to-ground and anti-ship missiles like the RBS-15F and KEPD 350. A 27 mm Mauser BK-27 cannon provides additional firepower in close-range engagements. The Gripen is fitted with the PS-05/A X-band radar, based on the British Blue Vixen system, enabling multi-target tracking at over 120 km. Designed for air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance, it combines operational efficiency with low maintenance costs.
The Czech Republic operates a fleet of 14 Gripen aircraft, comprising 12 single-seat JAS 39Cs and 2 two-seat JAS 39Ds. These aircraft were originally acquired in 2005 through a leasing agreement with Sweden, initially set for 10 years and extended in 2014 until 2027.
The Czech contingent in Iceland will primarily consist of personnel from the 21st Tactical Air Force Base in Čáslav, supported by members of other Czech military units. To ensure readiness and interoperability with NATO forces, the unit has undergone rigorous training, culminating in an evaluation under NATO’s TACEVAL (Tactical Evaluation) standards. This assessment measures military unit readiness in real-world operational scenarios, marking a first for a Czech air unit operating Gripen C fighters.
Lieutenant Colonel Vladimír Málek, commander of the deployed contingent, emphasized that the mission follows a preparation process similar to previous Czech operations. While it does not significantly differ from missions conducted under NATINAMDS (NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence System), the extreme weather conditions of the North Atlantic present an additional challenge, contributing to valuable operational experience for pilots and technicians.
This deployment also strengthens the Czech Republic’s ability to operate alongside its NATO allies. Brigadier General Martin Janatka, Chief of Staff of the Czech Armed Forces Operations Command, highlighted that the Czech unit has demonstrated its capability to cooperate effectively in an international framework and respond swiftly to security threats.
Amid growing geopolitical tensions, particularly with Russia, these deployments reinforce NATO’s cohesion, deter unauthorized incursions, and contribute to the Alliance’s collective defense posture in the North Atlantic region.
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The Czech Republic has confirmed the deployment of its JAS-39C Gripen fighter jets to Iceland as part of NATO’s air policing mission. This operation, set to begin in May and last for approximately two months, aligns with the Alliance’s collective security commitments. As Iceland does not have a military air force, it relies on NATO allies to ensure the protection of its airspace. The Czech unit, designated ASICIPPN 2025 (Airborne Surveillance and Interception Capabilities to meet Iceland’s Peacetime Preparedness Needs), will operate from Keflavík Air Base, a key location for monitoring North Atlantic airspace.
The Czech Republic operates a fleet of 14 Gripen aircraft, comprising 12 single-seat JAS 39Cs and 2 two-seat JAS 39Ds (Picture source: Czech MoD)
This marks the fourth deployment of Czech Air Force fighters in Iceland, following similar missions in 2014, 2015, and 2016. The NATO-led rotational system ensures continuous airspace protection over Iceland. Unlike the Baltic Air Policing mission, which involves longer deployments, operations in Iceland are shorter, following agreements between NATO and the Icelandic government.
The JAS 39 Gripen, developed by Saab, is an advanced multirole fighter designed for versatility and interoperability within NATO forces. Featuring a delta-canard aerodynamic configuration and a Fly-By-Wire flight control system, it provides high maneuverability, particularly in close combat. Powered by a Volvo Aero RM12 engine derived from the General Electric F404, it can reach a top speed of 2,200 km/h and has a range of 3,000 km. Its fully digital cockpit, equipped with multi-function displays and the HOTAS (Hands-On-Throttle-And-Stick) system, enhances mission efficiency. Designed for modularity and NATO compatibility, the Gripen is operational in Sweden, the Czech Republic, Hungary, South Africa, and Thailand.
The Gripen’s armament includes eight hardpoints, allowing it to carry a variety of weapons for different mission profiles. It can be equipped with air-to-air missiles such as the IRIS-T, Meteor, and AIM-120 AMRAAM, as well as air-to-ground and anti-ship missiles like the RBS-15F and KEPD 350. A 27 mm Mauser BK-27 cannon provides additional firepower in close-range engagements. The Gripen is fitted with the PS-05/A X-band radar, based on the British Blue Vixen system, enabling multi-target tracking at over 120 km. Designed for air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance, it combines operational efficiency with low maintenance costs.
The Czech Republic operates a fleet of 14 Gripen aircraft, comprising 12 single-seat JAS 39Cs and 2 two-seat JAS 39Ds. These aircraft were originally acquired in 2005 through a leasing agreement with Sweden, initially set for 10 years and extended in 2014 until 2027.
The Czech contingent in Iceland will primarily consist of personnel from the 21st Tactical Air Force Base in Čáslav, supported by members of other Czech military units. To ensure readiness and interoperability with NATO forces, the unit has undergone rigorous training, culminating in an evaluation under NATO’s TACEVAL (Tactical Evaluation) standards. This assessment measures military unit readiness in real-world operational scenarios, marking a first for a Czech air unit operating Gripen C fighters.
Lieutenant Colonel Vladimír Málek, commander of the deployed contingent, emphasized that the mission follows a preparation process similar to previous Czech operations. While it does not significantly differ from missions conducted under NATINAMDS (NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence System), the extreme weather conditions of the North Atlantic present an additional challenge, contributing to valuable operational experience for pilots and technicians.
This deployment also strengthens the Czech Republic’s ability to operate alongside its NATO allies. Brigadier General Martin Janatka, Chief of Staff of the Czech Armed Forces Operations Command, highlighted that the Czech unit has demonstrated its capability to cooperate effectively in an international framework and respond swiftly to security threats.
Amid growing geopolitical tensions, particularly with Russia, these deployments reinforce NATO’s cohesion, deter unauthorized incursions, and contribute to the Alliance’s collective defense posture in the North Atlantic region.
