REYKJAVIK, Iceland –
U.S. Naval Forces Europe strengthened its longstanding security relationship with Iceland during high-level discussions with Director General Jónas G. Allansson, Chief of Defence of Iceland, July 9, 2025.
Iceland’s strategic location in the North Atlantic and its commitment to transatlantic security make it a vital partner in maritime domain awareness and regional stability. U.S. Naval Forces Europe commander, Adm. Stuart B. Munsch, emphasized Iceland’s key role in collective defense and its contributions to NATO operations in the North Atlantic.
“Iceland is an indispensable link in the security of the North Atlantic,” said Adm. Munsch. “Our shared commitment to collective defense and freedom of navigation ensures we remain ready to address challenges in this critical region together.”
Munsch and Allansson explored opportunities for Iceland's planned expanding security and defense policy initiatives alongside enhanced cooperation, including increased maritime surveillance, joint training, and closer coordination on Arctic security, undersea domain awareness, and search and rescue operations. Discussions emphasized Iceland’s critical location in the Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom Gap—a maritime corridor essential to NATO’s collective defense, freedom of navigation, and global maritime security.
The leaders highlighted the importance of sustained submarine and rotational aircraft presence to deter malign activities and address evolving challenges.
“As the security environment evolves, Iceland’s partnership and leadership remain essential to ensuring stability in the High North and North Atlantic,” Munsch added. “Through continued cooperation—from undersea awareness to joint exercises—we are deepening our shared defense and strengthening deterrence in this strategically vital region.”