NATO command chief makes first official visit to Iceland

General Nick Perry, the new head of NATO’s Joint Force Command Norfolk, made his first official visit to Iceland on Friday, mbl.is reported, citing a government statement.

During the visit, Perry was briefed on conditions in Iceland and the country’s contributions to defence, including facilities and infrastructure at the security area in Keflavik.

Perry is the first British military officer to lead the command. He took over from US Navy Admiral Douglas G. Perry on September 24, 2026.

Joint Force Command Norfolk is a multinational NATO operational command under the alliance’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe. It is responsible for defence and readiness in the North Atlantic and Arctic, including Iceland, and plays a key role in securing important transport routes between North America and Europe.

Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir said the visit was an opportunity to discuss shared interests and ensure that knowledge of conditions in Iceland and the country’s importance is included in NATO’s collective defence planning.

Perry said Iceland’s contribution to NATO readiness, operations and cooperation had never been more important. He said the country’s geographic position gave it an important role in the defence of the North Atlantic, and that he looked forward to further strengthening cooperation on shared security and the defence of key areas in the region.