The RAF’s Lightning force passed their NATO accreditation last Friday, 9th August 2024, and are now able to hold Quick Reaction Alert in Iceland.
As of Sunday midnight, the Squadron began their QRA commitment. The Squadron will be deployed to the country from August to September 2024.
"We know that the pilots are able to do QRA missions, we know the Control Reporting Centre are able to control those missions, but being in Keflavik, in a different location, we want to see that the comms from us to Chain of Command to the pilots into the cockpit is flawless.”
Major Patricia
One of the NATO accreditors from the Belgian Air Force
“I am very proud of the Squadron to have achieved their NATO accreditation, especially as this will be first time the UK F-35B has held Quick Reaction Alert from a land base.”
Wing Commander Campbell
Officer Commanding, 617 Squadron
Since 2008, NATO Allies have deployed fighters to the island two or three times a year in support of the mission. For the RAF, this is the second Air Policing mission it is undertaking this year, with Operation Biloxi and the Typhoon force in Romania drawing to a conclusion earlier this month.
