Armed Czech Air Force JAS-39A Gripen jets deploy to Iceland for NATO Air Policing Mission

Czech Air Force JAS-39A Gripen-landing (Photo by Eggert Norðdahl)

Here are the first photos of the Czech Air Force JAS-39 Gripen fighter planes deploying to Iceland to undertake Icelandic Air Policing duty.

The Czech Air Force has deployed five of its JAS-39 Gripen fighter aircraft and a total of 80 aircrew and ground personnel from 21st Tactical Air Force Base ?áslav to Iceland.

Their ferry flight to Keflavik was supported by an Italian Air Force KC-767A tanker from the 14° Stormo (Wing) based at Pratica di Mare.

Czech Air Force JAS-39A Gripens formation (Photo by Eggert Norðdahl)

The Gripens mission is to provide Airborne Surveillance and Interception Capabilities to meet Iceland’s Peacetime Preparedness Needs (ASICIPPN) on behalf of NATO.

Noteworthy, the aircraft deployed to Iceland carrying live AIM-9L Sidewinder air-to-air missiles.

Czech Air Force JAS-39A Gripen deploying to Iceland (Photo by Eggert Norðdahl

Source: By David Cenciotti – theaviationist.com