The government of the Czech Republic yesterday formally accepted a last-minute request to man the NATO base in Keflavík this summer and patrol the skies over Iceland.
The Czech Republic will base five JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets in Iceland over July and August to conduct air patrols. The planes will be accompanied by 70 military personnel, the country’s defense ministry has confirmed.
Originally it had been Canada’s turn to man the Iceland base this summer, but its jets are in use against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. The Canadian government asked the Czech Republic to take its place at short notice, Vísir reports.
The Czechs also took a turn patrolling Icelandic skies last year.
Iceland has no military of its own but is a member of NATO and maintains an airbase and military radar services.
