The Danish Air Force has participated in the recurring operation Noble Defender in the Arctic and North Atlantic over the past two weeks. Together with American and Canadian forces, F-35 fighter jets and Challenger aircraft have operated from Iceland and Greenland.
The Danish contribution has included several F-35 fighter jets based in Keflavik, Iceland, according to a press release from Danish Defence (Forsvaret). From there, they have conducted flight missions, including surveillance, in the area around Iceland and southeastern Greenland. During the operation, the Danish aircraft have been supported by a French MRTT air refuelling aircraft.
Denmark has also provided Challenger aircraft for search and rescue missions based out of Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. The task has been to ensure rescue readiness for the American and Canadian flight operations originating from Pituffik Space Base in northern Greenland, according to Danish Defence (Forsvaret).
Noble Defender is conducted annually by NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command), the American-Canadian defence cooperation responsible for air and space surveillance over North America. According to Danish Defence (Forsvaret), the focus is on maintaining the capability to operate air forces under the challenging climatic conditions prevailing in the Arctic. NORAD contributed this time with six different types of air forces, including the CF-18 Hornet, according to a press release.
The cooperation is described as an opportunity for participating nations to develop experience in joint operations in demanding environments.