The Royal Air Force (RAF) has deployed P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft from 120 Squadron to Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, enhancing NATO surveillance of the Greenland-Iceland-UK (GIUK) gap. The rotation strengthens protection of critical sea lanes, undersea infrastructure, and restores a core UK anti-submarine capability in the High North.
120 Squadron Role and Capabilities
Together with 201 Squadron, 120 Squadron forms the backbone of the RAF’s maritime patrol fleet. The UK operates nine P-8A Poseidon aircraft, enabling long-range anti-submarine missions. This deployment restores capability lost after the Nimrod fleet retirement and ensures NATO has a constant presence in the northern Atlantic.
P-8A Poseidon Features
- Sensors: AN/APY-10 multi-mode radar, WESCAM MX-20HD EO/IR turret, AN/AQQ-2(V)1 acoustic processing system.
- Weapons: Internal Mark 54 torpedoes, wing-mounted AGM-84 Harpoon missiles (as policy allows), with options for mine-laying and search-and-rescue support.
- Performance: Cruise speed around 440 knots, 41,000 ft ceiling, 1,200 NM range, and approximately four hours on station.
Strategic Importance
Russian submarine patrols continue in the High North, and subsea cables and energy infrastructure are increasingly vulnerable. The 120 Squadron deployment at Keflavik anchors NATO’s North Atlantic surveillance, maintains interoperability with Icelandic and allied naval forces, and enhances a shared understanding of undersea activity. The P-8A fleet demonstrates how Agile Combat Employment (ACE) principles can be applied with reduced logistics footprint while ensuring high technical readiness.
