Iceland's "Peacetime Preparedness Needs"

The Airborne Surveillance and Interception Capabilities to meet Iceland's Peacetime Preparedness Needs (ASIC IPPN) mission establishes air surveillance and interception coverage over Iceland in order to maintain the integrity of the NATO airspace.

Following the withdrawal of US forces from Iceland in 2008, NATO initiated the mission, as Iceland does not have its own national air force. This provides NATO and Icelandic support personnel with the necessary training, to ensure that the Alliance can conduct a full-scale peacetime Air Policing mission at short notice.

Allied aircraft, ground crews and fighter controllers conduct Air Policing activities such as air surveillance and control through the deployment of NATO fighter aircraft. These are based in Keflavik and deploy three times a year, typically for three to four weeks.