Spain to Deploy Hornet Fighter Jets to Iceland for the First Time as Part of NATO Mission

Spain’s Aerospace Forces will deploy six EF-18M Hornet fighter jets to Iceland for the first time as part of a NATO air policing mission, Scramble reported.

The mission’s primary objective is to provide a quick-response capability to secure Icelandic airspace, as the country does not operate its own fighter aircraft.

The Spanish detachment will replace five JAS-39 Gripens from the Czech Air Force, which have been stationed in Iceland since late May 2025.

Between 50 and 100 Spanish personnel are expected to be stationed in Iceland for approximately five weeks. The rotation is part of NATO’s regular air policing program, which involves three deployments annually to strengthen security on the Alliance’s northern flank.

According to the media, this marks the first deployment of EF-18Ms to the region, offering Spanish pilots an opportunity to gain experience in challenging weather conditions.

15th Air Wing, based at Zaragoza Air Base, will perform this operation, with the aircraft relocating to Keflavik Air Base in Iceland.