What's Happening?
The Belgian Air Force has taken over the mission of patrolling the airspace around Iceland, a fellow NATO member, deploying Lockheed Martin F-16As to the island nation. Iceland, strategically located in the North Atlantic, relies on NATO members for airspace patrol due to its lack of an air force. The Belgian Air Component (BAC) began its policing duty in mid-August, deploying from Florennes air base in Belgium to Keflavik air base in Iceland. BAC F-16s are on ready status to carry out quick-reaction missions against potential threats, typically detected 2-3 hours before entering Icelandic airspace.
Why It's Important?
This deployment underscores the strategic importance of the Greenland-Iceland-UK gap in transatlantic air and sea routes. Belgium's involvement highlights NATO's commitment to collective defense and the protection of member states' airspace. The mission also reflects Belgium's ongoing recapitalization of its air combat fleet, transitioning from older F-16s to new fifth-generation fighters and UAVs. The deployment is part of a broader effort to enhance NATO's air defense capabilities, ensuring readiness against potential threats in the region.
What's Next?
The rotational deployment to Iceland is expected to last for at least one month, with Belgium continuing to phase out its old F-16s and field new fighters. The BAC is also preparing to replace its NH90 utility helicopters, with plans to order additional F-35A stealth fighters. These developments will further strengthen Belgium's air defense capabilities and contribute to NATO's strategic objectives in the North Atlantic.
