US-Iceland defence exercise Northern Viking set for August

The bilateral US-Iceland defence exercise Northern Viking 2026 will take place in Iceland and the surrounding waters from August 22 to September 3, mbl.is reports, citing the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

The exercise will train the defence of Iceland, critical infrastructure and sea routes, as well as search and rescue, host-nation support, and coordination between Icelandic authorities and the military commands of the United States and NATO.

Held in Iceland roughly every other year, the exercise will also cover responses to military threats on land, at sea and in the air, along with multidomain threats and acts of sabotage.

Between 150 and 200 Icelanders will participate, alongside personnel from the United States, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Norway, Sweden, Germany and NATO.

Alexander G. Grynkewich, NATO’s supreme commander and head of US forces in Europe, will attend the exercise’s opening ceremony. During his visit, he will meet Iceland’s prime minister and foreign minister.

This year marks 75 years since Iceland and the United States signed their bilateral defence agreement. The ministry said the agreement, together with Iceland’s NATO membership, forms the foundation of the country’s defence policy.