Iceland grows wary of Russian submarines

Iceland is facing growing concern over Russian submarines and military activity in the North Atlantic, mbl.is reports, citing a defence review by the British newspaper The Telegraph.

The Telegraph recalls former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s wartime description of Iceland as a gun aimed at England, the United States and Canada, saying the words remain relevant eight decades later.

The newspaper spoke to Icelandic politicians and soldiers taking part in Northern Viking, a NATO exercise that began in Iceland on Saturday and runs until 3 September.

“One thing is obviously missing from the exercise: Icelandic soldiers,” The Telegraph writes. Iceland has no army, navy or air force, making it the only NATO member without a military. For decades, Iceland has relied on the presence of US forces under the 1951 defence agreement between the two countries.

With Russia expanding its presence in the North Atlantic, Iceland is being forced to consider how it should contribute to its own defence. The question has gained added importance ahead of a referendum on whether Iceland should resume negotiations on European Union membership. Supporters say closer ties with Europe could strengthen the country’s security.

“It is clear that if something happened in Iceland, we could not defend ourselves on our own,” Independence Party leader Guðrún Hafsteinsdóttir told the British newspaper.

Alexus G. Grynkewich, NATO’s senior commander in Europe, said Russian and Chinese vessels disguised as research ships were carrying out joint patrols near Iceland. “We all know they are not counting puffins,” he said. Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir said Russia had significantly increased its military presence in the region, while China was showing growing interest in military technology. NATO must adapt to this new reality, she said.

Gunnarsdóttir also told The Telegraph that Iceland supports Greenland’s sovereignty. She said threats made by US President Donald Trump had led to “positive developments” in security matters in the North. The newspaper referred to Trump’s remarks at the Davos conference in January, when he confused Iceland with Greenland.