The RAF’s Boeing P‑8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft returned to Iceland this month as crews from 42 (Torpedo Bomber) Squadron undertake a major phase of flying training.
This training will strengthen the UK's ability to protect home waters and contribute to NATO security in the North Atlantic.
Operating from Keflavík Air Base, this detachment forms an essential overseas element of the Poseidon Conversion Course, which trains personnel to operate the platform. Across the deployment, two aircraft will conduct a series of training sorties that place student crews and instructors in an unfamiliar operational environment; an important step in generating front‑line Poseidon aircrew.
Enhancing UK and NATO Maritime Security
The North Atlantic remains one of the most strategically significant maritime regions in the world. Continually busy with military, commercial and trans‑Atlantic traffic, it is a vital artery for UK and NATO security. Iceland’s position at the gateway to the High North makes it a central location for monitoring undersea activity and maintaining awareness of potential threats.
The Poseidon’s ability to detect, track and, if required, respond to hostile submarines or surface vessels is a cornerstone of the UK’s overall maritime defence posture. Training from Iceland gives RAF crews exposure to the operating conditions of the region, building the readiness required to conduct missions at very short notice.
Strengthening Relationships with Iceland and Allies
This deployment continues decades of close cooperation between the RAF and the Icelandic Coast Guard, developing shared procedures and enhancing coordination during maritime security scenarios. This allows RAF personnel to work alongside NATO allies, operating for the Alliance’s collective defence in the region.
Training for the Future Poseidon Force
Operating from Iceland forms a key part of the RAF’s wider Agile Combat Employment (ACE) approach. This ensures that aircrews, aircraft and support personnel can disperse, deploy and operate effectively from a variety of locations across Europe. Adaptability remains central to the UK’s ability to defend its own waters while projecting airpower abroad in support of NATO.
By completing their training in Iceland, Poseidon crews experience the realities of rapid deployment, expeditionary operations and integration with host‑nation partners. The insights gathered will also feed into ongoing work to refine operating procedures from Keflavík, ensuring the UK can continue to employ maritime patrol aircraft from the base whenever required.
"Our return to Iceland provides an excellent training opportunity and demonstrates the UK’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the North Atlantic. Operating from Keflavík gives our Poseidon crews the realism and challenge needed to maintain the highest levels of readiness. This training not only strengthens our ability to defend the UK’s maritime approaches but also reinforces the deep partnership we share with Iceland and our NATO allies. Together, we ensure that this strategically vital region remains secure, stable and well defended."
Air Marshal Allan Marshall
RAF Air and Space Commander
