US NATO ambassador says Icelandic technology gives allies an edge

Matt Whitaker, the US ambassador to NATO, says he has seen first-hand how allied military exercises in Iceland give NATO forces an operational advantage and help ensure security in the Arctic, mbl.is reports.

The Norður-Víkingur defence exercise began this week and is the largest defence exercise held in Iceland. It takes place every other year and involves about 1,200 participants from 12 NATO countries, including between 150 and 200 Icelanders.

In a Facebook post by the US Mission to NATO, Whitaker described the exercise as an opportunity for US and Icelandic forces to train with other NATO allies.

“During the Norður-Víkingur exercise in Iceland, I saw first-hand how US and Icelandic forces train alongside other NATO allies to protect vital sea lanes and ensure security in the Arctic, and how Icelandic technology gives allied forces an operational advantage,” Whitaker wrote.

“Building our readiness and capabilities will deter threats and defend the alliance in the Arctic,” he added.