
Here are the first photos of the Czech Air Force JAS-39 Gripen fighter planes deploying to Iceland to undertake Icelandic Air Policing duty.
The Czech Air Force has deployed five of its JAS-39 Gripen fighter aircraft and a total of 80 aircrew and ground personnel from 21st Tactical Air Force Base Čáslav to Iceland.
Their ferry flight to Keflavik was supported by an Italian Air Force KC-767A tanker from the 14° Stormo (Wing) based at Pratica di Mare.
The Gripens mission is to provide Airborne Surveillance and Interception Capabilities to meet Iceland’s Peacetime Preparedness Needs (ASICIPPN) on behalf of NATO.
Noteworthy, the aircraft deployed to Iceland carrying live AIM-9L Sidewinder air-to-air missiles.
Image credit: Eggert Norðdahl
Why not mount the AIM-9L on the wingtip mounts?
I was wondering the same thing…
Maybe it causes less stress on the wing, thereby reducing life usage and increasing time between overhauls?
At least that’s what I think, though I tend to see this quite often on Gripens.
Good Thought! Would love to hear from a JAS-39 operator (SwAF or CzAF) to know for sure! Perhaps less stressful on a/c over a long-range flight. In regards to AIM-9L vs AIM-9M, I think Spencerhut is correct. Forward fins on Sidewinder do not look like AIM-9L’s. Great Catch, Spencerhut!!! Thanks!
This could be to reduce drag. The AIM-9L/M have a considerable amount of drag because of their large forward canards. This is why you see F-16s and F-15s carrying their AIM-120C AMRAAMs on their outboard wing stations and the Sidewinders inboard.
I think those are AIM-9M, not AIM-9L
Bear hunting season just started on Iceland.
I just hope nothing Backfires if they’re playing some Blackjack.
Ba ha ha . . . you so funny. But seriously I wish them the best of skill and luck in all their engagements.
Why thank you – and indeed let’s hear it for the Czech AF.
Ha, these pretty jets won’t last one day (24 hours) if their pilots are ever stupid enough to try policing the skies of eastern Ukraine !
Bull!
In armory CzAF are AIM-120C-5&AIM-9M-9