RAF Mildenhall supports sovereign skies in Iceland

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Alexandria Lee
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

KC-135 Stratotankers from the 100th Air Refueling Wing refueled F-15C/D Eagles from RAF Lakenheath in support of NATO’s Icelandic Air Surveillance mission Aug. 10, 2018.


U.S. Air Force Airmen and F-15C/D Eagles from the 48th Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath, England, deployed to the air base to provide airborne surveillance and interception capabilities on behalf of NATO and Iceland, fulfilling an annual U.S. commitment to the alliance. Four of the F-15s will be used for a constant alert mission, ready to intercept and identify unknown aircraft within minutes of notification, while another nine will conduct valuable training in the Icelandic airspace.

This mission continues to demonstrate commitment to NATO and the security of Europe. The U.S. has conducted this NATO mission in Iceland annually since 2008.

The U.S. Air Force presence in Europe and the relationships built over the past 70 years provide the U.S. critical strategic access to meet this NATO commitment and respond to any potential threat against alliance members.

Wings across the United States Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa major command are dedicated to supporting allies near and far and strengthening partnerships worldwide.