Foreword
Iceland faces a profound challenge in the international security environment. The strategic landscape marked by heightened complex threats demands a re-assessment of our purpose, action and an understanding of our country’s role within the broader structure of collective security.
Our approach to defense and security remains distinctive. Without a standing military, our security is grounded in the enduring principles of international law, multilateral cooperation, and alliance solidarity.
This re-alignment in policy recognizes that the current structure of security of Iceland is inherently interconnected with that of the wider international community. In light of this, the Government will actively explore and pursue deeper engagement by like-minded states and international organizations, including the potential accession to a collective defense frameworks such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, as well as the development of bilateral and multilateral security arrangements with key partners.
This engagement is not undertaken lightly as it currently reflects the overall Government’s judgement that credible deterrence, response, and awareness are key in safeguarding Iceland’s national security, safety and prosperity and would enjoy the benefits from collective stability, while maintaining its commitment to peaceful international relations and the rule of law.
This re-alignment in policy does not change Iceland’s sovereign decision-making but rather preserves it by acknowledging the necessity of cooperation in an increasingly interconnected security landscape.
Establishinga JointCommand responsiblefor Defence
The purpose of the Joint Command is to coordinate the operational requirements of all agencies responsible for national security and defense, and to integrate communications to enable a unified situational awareness and a singular strategic decision-making process during defense-related incidents.
This JointDefense Command is named as the primary command for the coordination, execution and management of national defense responses.
Composition ofCommand
The Joint Defense Command shall be composed of representatives with operational authority from the following institutions:
1. Ministry of Foreign A airs
2. Ministry of Justice
3. Icelandic Police
4. Icelandic Coast Guard
Members andOrganizational Structure
PrimeMinister Decision
MinisterforForeign Affairs Chairperson
MinisterofJustice DeputyChairperson
NationalCommissioner ofPolice Executor
DirectorofCoastGuard Executor
StateSecretary LegalAdvisor
StateSecretary DiplomaticAdvisor
Infrastructure revitalization andequipmentprocurement
The Governmentof Icelandwillfundmodernization programs fortheIcelandicCoastGuard to enhanceitsoperational capabilities such asthefollowing;
1. Modernizing the current vessels and aircraft of the Icelandic Coast Guard;
2. Procuring new vessels and aircraft for the Icelandic Coast Guard;
3. Expanding the current surveillance and aerial systems for the Icelandic Air Defence System;
4. Expanding the current surveillance and maritime systems for the Icelandic Maritime Tra c Service;
5. Expanding the current search and rescue capabilities of the Icelandic Coast Guard; and
6. Procuring new equipment for Coast Guard personnel.
7. Expanding technical knowledge of the Icelandic Coast Guard.
The Governmentof Icelandwill additionallyfundnew;
1. road construction;
2. bridge construction;
3. airport modernization; and
4. Port modernization
as part of the overhaul in the country’s modernization program of the current infrastructure system to better support the operational requirements related to National Security.
Potential accession and ratification of security agreements
The Government of Iceland notes that Iceland does not have the resources and the capabilities of creating a military force. The current security setup for Iceland is not tenable for the long-term future and a re-alignment on how we approach defence.
The Government will formulate legislation to introduce new rules for accepting Visiting Forces in the country in order to make clear on the requirements for these.
The Government will pursue security agreements with nations that have strategic capabilities and modernize our hosting capabilities managed by the Icelandic Coast Guard to host deployments of foreign forces.
Conclusion
Presented to the President and the Cabinet of Iceland.
Any publication or reproduction of this document without prior consent of the Government of Iceland will be sanctioned under law.
Thisdocument isnot part ofthe real GovernmentofIcelandbut rather is onlyforroleplay purposes only.
