The exercise involved U.S. Air National Guard units deploying multiple aircraft, including KC-135 Stratotankers, F-35 Lightning II fighters, and F-16 Fighting Falcons, to the strategically important Arctic location. It highlighted Greenland’s critical role in the defence of North America and the importance of enhancing Arctic operational readiness.
“This exercise demonstrated our ability to quickly and efficiently deploy forces to the Arctic, showcasing the adaptability necessary to operate in this unique and demanding environment,” said Lt. Gen. Luke Ahmann, commander of CONR-1AF (AFNORTH & AFSPACE). “But more importantly, it highlighted the strength of our partnership with the Kingdom of Denmark. We deeply value their collaboration and the critical support they provide, particularly the Royal Danish Air Force’s commitment to search and rescue capabilities in this region. Their partnership is essential to ensuring the safety and security of operations in the Arctic.”
Between 7 and 11 October, the Wisconsin Air National Guard deployed three KC-135 Stratotankers from the 128th Air Refueling Wing and two F-35s from the 115th Fighter Wing. Two F-16 Fighting Falcons from the South Carolina Air National Guard’s 169th Fighter Wing also participated, with operations beginning on 8 October and aircraft returning by 11 October.
NORAD aircraft partnered with the Royal Danish Air Force, which maintained Search and Rescue (SAR) readiness using Bombardier Challenger 604 aircraft and specialised personnel. This cooperation ensured vital SAR coverage in the harsh Arctic environment, safeguarding all exercise participants.
Greenland’s strategic location has long made it essential to North American defence, and since June, U.S. Northern Command has held responsibility for homeland defence operations involving the island. The United States remains committed to close cooperation with the Kingdom of Denmark in the Arctic region.
From NORAD’s binational perspective, the exercise reflects broader collaboration among the U.S., Canada, Denmark, and Greenland to strengthen collective Arctic security. These efforts are part of NORAD’s mission to monitor and respond to potential threats across North American airspace.
“The rapid timeline presented a unique challenge,” said Maj. Daniel Schoettle, CONR-1AF Operations Contingency Plans chief. “Setting up a forward operating location within days, from coordinating the movement of personnel and equipment to ensuring adequate support on the ground, required meticulous planning and seamless execution. The success of this exercise demonstrates the exceptional capabilities and dedication of our Airmen and the strength of our partnership with the Kingdom of Denmark.”
NORAD, a binational U.S.-Canadian command, integrates aerial, ground-based, and space-based systems to detect and defend against airborne threats. Its continental U.S. component, CONR, oversees aerospace control and airspace warning operations, while AFNORTH supports homeland defence and civil response efforts across the region.
