MAJ. GEN. (RET.) RANDY A. KEE/U.S. AIR FORCE The Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies (TSC) officially opened in an August 11, 2022, ceremony at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, marking an important milestone in a U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) push to develop a network of leaders who promote its Arctic policies. Dignitaries included political and appointed leadership from the National Capital Region and Gen. Glen D. VanHerck, commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM). The center, which celebrates the legacy and service of the late Alaska senator, was established in statute…
The Watch
The F-35 fighter represents a new model of international cooperation, ensuring the security of the U.S. and its partners well into the 21st century. TECH SGT. ADAM KEELE/U.S. AIR NATIONAL GUARD The barren and unforgiving Arctic terrain of the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex (JPARC) is where the United States military and its allies train in extreme conditions. High above the vast landscape that is the size of the U.S. state of Indiana, the world’s most advanced warplane — the F-35A II Lightning stealth fighter — conducts operations. The multirole F-35A II rules its domain no matter the environment. “We…
Naval Special Warfare operators perform a high-altitude low-opening jump during operation Arctic Edge 2022 in Alaska. DoD Courtesy Photo DR. JAMES R. MORTON JR./UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS The rear ramp of the C-130 drops down, allowing a stinging minus 70-degree wind to overwhelm the aircraft cabin as a handful of U.S. Navy SEALs prepare to conduct a military free fall (MFF). The SEAL team’s objective is to link up with a U.S. Navy submarine that is breaching the ice cover on the Arctic Ocean. They have learned how to protect themselves from such extreme cold weather and ensure their equipment…
Pilots and ground crew prepare F-35A Lightning II aircraft to participate in Operation Noble Defender at Pituffik Space Base in Greenland. NORAD At the top of the world, the United States and its allies are enforcing a bottom line: They will deter and defend North America from threats. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) conducted Operation Noble Defender from January 15 through January 31, 2023. Noble Defender is a series of operations that demonstrate the capability and intention to defend North America from attacks along the Arctic avenue of approach. Noble Defender demonstrated…
Over Canada’s Pacific Coast, a U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle from the Portland Air National Guard refuels beneath a KC-135 Stratotanker from Fairchild Air Force Base in Washington during Operation Noble Defender. AIRMAN 1st CLASS JENNA A. BOND/U.S. AIR FORCE Navy SEALs aboard black-rubber raiding boats skim across a choppy sea off Alaska under the watchful eye of an F-22 Raptor. Later, they parachute from high above their target zone near an isolated coastal town. The commandos conduct reconnaissance in the fog using drones equipped with the latest in artificial intelligence technology. They operate from an expeditionary camp of Quonset…
An Alaska Air National Guard HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter played an integral role in a search and rescue demonstration. Alejandro Pena/U.S. Air Force The mission of Arctic search and rescue at its most basic is saving lives. But when the United States military trains for combat search and rescue and personnel recovery (SAR/PR) with allies, it also strengthens operational capabilities. “The ability to operate and succeed given the … harsh Arctic operating environment forever complicates any rescue, which is why it is so very important to exercise and reinforce rescue skill sets and capability,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Joseph…
A Royal Canadian Navy diver performs mine countermeasure operations as part of the biennial Exercise Arctic Edge in March 2022 near Juneau, Alaska. CPL. HUGO MONTPETIT/CANADIAN ARMED FORCES BRIG. GEN. PASCAL GODBOUT/COMMANDER JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH Canada’s Arctic is immense, making up more than 40% of the country’s landmass and 75% of its coastline. Sparsely populated, with limited infrastructure and challenging weather, this beautiful yet austere region is of great strategic importance. The impact of climate change, increased activity and an evolving geopolitical environment has heightened interest in this area. Joint Task Force North (JTFN) is the Canadian Armed Forces…
LT. COL. MIKKEL PERLT/DANISH DEFENCE When most people think of North America, they probably think of the United States, Canada and perhaps Mexico, but few would instinctively name the Kingdom of Denmark as one of the continent’s countries. Still, Denmark is increasingly mentioned when it comes to the security of North America and, when looking at the map from the top of the world, the reason becomes clear. The commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), Gen. Glen D. VanHerck, has identified geography as one of three parts of a globally integrated layered…
SARA OLSVIG/UNIVERSITY OF GREENLAND The longstanding defense relationship between Greenland and the United States has strengthened in recent years. As their self-government evolves, Greenlandic politicians have been increasingly vocal about their position on the country’s role in North American defense and security, and the messages are clear: Firstly, Greenland sees itself as an integral and important ally to the U.S. and NATO, and secondly, Greenland wishes to engage more directly with the U.S. on matters relating to trade and business development and defense and security. Recently, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has resulted in clear positioning by Naalakkersuisut, the government…
SVEIN EFJESTAD/NORWEGIAN INSTITUTE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS Norway chaired the Nordic Defense Cooperation (NORDEFCO) organization in 2022, a year dominated by the Russian attack on Ukraine. Russia’s war spurred Finland and Sweden to apply for NATO membership, while all Nordic countries continue to provide substantial military and civilian assistance to Ukraine. It is difficult to assess how the war will affect Arctic security. If the current regime in Moscow continues, the Arctic likely will be dominated by the adverse relationship between Russia and the West. If there is a new regime in Moscow, that also could lead to fundamental changes. The…