The temporary Czech Army Detachment (CAD) was carrying out the ASICIPPN II mission (Airborne Surveillance and Interception Capabilities to meet Iceland’s Peacetime Preparedness Needs). The air-policing mission over Iceland was carried out on request of NATO. Iceland is one of NATO’s founding members, however with no traditional defence forces. Certain tasks are executed by the Icelandic Coast Guard which is also the operator of the Keflavík Air Base. Iceland is in command of flight operations over the North Atlantic where more than 90,000 flights take place annually.

The Czech pilots took over the ASICIPPN II mission on behalf of the Royal Canadian Air Force while it was active in strikes against the so-called Islamic State. During their air-policing mission over Iceland, between July 29 and August 26, 2015, the CAD pilots made over 90 flights with a combined duration of over 150 flight hours.

At the Keflavík Air Base, Minister Stropnický inspected the CAD and thanked the participants for their work in guarding the security of the Icelandic air space. He noted that the CAD is highly valued in Iceland and that the Czech presence strikes a difference.

In Reykjavík, the Czech delegation was received in Alþingi by Birgir Ármannsson, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee. On behalf of the Icelandic politicians B. Ármannsson expressed gratitude to the Czech Republic for providing the CAD promptly, as a sign of partnership, interest and solidarity. M. Stropnický and B. Ármannsson discussed the situation in Russia, Ukraine, and the preparation of a new national security strategy for Iceland.

Also in Reykjavík, Ministr Stropnický and his delegation had talks with Jörundur Valtýsson, Chief of Defence – Iceland. Further meetings were held at the Keflavík Air Base: with Frank Gorenc, Commander of the U. S. Air Forces in Europe, with Georg Kristinn Lárusson, Director General of the Icelandic Coast Guard, and with Jón Björgvin Guðnason, Manager of Operations, Air Command and Control System, Icelandic Coast Guard.

Commenting on the return of the JAS-39 Gripen jets from Iceland to the Czech Republic, Josef Bečvář, Chief of Staff of the Czech Army, noted that the Czech Air Force carried out a successful mission and proved again their high readiness and professionalism.