The strategic importance of Iceland’s Keflavík air base is unlikely to diminish despite a planned review of US military deployments in Europe, according to a former senior Pentagon official.
The assessment comes after US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a review of American troop levels and military bases across Europe, saying European allies should assume greater responsibility for the continent’s conventional defence.
The review is expected to be completed within six months.
What’s the Story?
Original source: RÚV
- A former Pentagon official expects US troop numbers in Europe to fall but not disappear.
- Keflavík is likely to remain a key NATO base for North Atlantic surveillance.
- Russia is expected to exploit uncertainty surrounding US defence policy, the analyst says.
North Atlantic importance
Jim Townsend, a defence expert at the Center for a New American Security and former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for European and NATO Policy, told RÚV the announcement suggests a genuine reassessment of the American military presence in Europe.
While he believes the review could result in a significant reduction in US forces, Townsend stressed that any changes would take time and remain subject to congressional approval, particularly if political opposition emerges following November’s midterm elections.
He said the review appears to place greater emphasis on allies’ defence spending and capabilities than on traditional military assessments, describing the administration’s criteria as “very unclear”.
Despite the broader review, Townsend said Keflavík’s role is unlikely to change significantly. The base has long supported US Navy P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft conducting anti-submarine and surveillance missions across the North Atlantic, while British aircraft have also operated from the airport during NATO exercises.
Townsend argued NATO would continue to require “eyes and ears” in the North Atlantic for as long as Russia remains aggressive, whether through American or allied aircraft operating from Keflavík.
He also warned that Moscow is closely watching developments in Washington and may seek to test NATO’s resolve. Russia has already increased pressure through airspace incursions, drone activity and sabotage, he said, adding that Iceland and Norway could be among the first countries to detect increased Russian military activity in the North Atlantic.
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