Northern Viking defense exercise begins in Iceland

The Northern Viking defense exercise began in Iceland on Tuesday, with around 1,200 participants from 12 NATO countries, mbl.is reports.

It is the largest defense exercise held in Iceland. Between 150 and 200 Icelanders are taking part, and the exercise will continue until September 3.

Jónas G. Allansson, director of the Defence Office at Iceland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs, said defense exercises involving Iceland and its NATO allies sent a strong deterrence message.

Alexus G. Grynkewich, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, addressed a press conference at the Keflavik defense area. Iceland’s Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín also spoke at the event.

The opening ceremony included the singing of the US national anthem. US Ambassador to Iceland Billy Long attended, along with representatives of the Icelandic police. American military jets were photographed flying near Keflavik Airport, while a Belgian military aircraft was also present.