Without its own army: the peaceful country preparing for the Russian threat

Iceland, the only NATO member without a standing army, is preparing for the growing Russian threat in the North Atlantic. The article describes foreign military presence on its territory, mainly American and Canadian, and the role of the Icelandic Coast Guard, which has 280 officers, as the de facto national defender, alongside a social taboo on establishing an independent military.

Iceland, a peaceful country with no standing army, is facing a growing Russian threat in the North Atlantic. The article describes extensive foreign military presence on its territory, including Belgian fighter jets, American anti-submarine surveillance aircraft, and a Canadian frigate. The Icelandic Coast Guard, with only 280 officers, is forced to function as a de facto military, operating the island's radar and air defense systems. Despite security challenges, establishing an independent Icelandic defense force remains a social taboo. Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir is mentioned in a photo but not quoted. The article highlights the absence of Icelandic soldiers in the foreign military display.