NATO Special Operations Forces Conclude Exercise Adamant Serpent 26 in High North

Multinational Forces Enhance Readiness in Arctic and Baltic Regions

Special operations forces from the United States, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden have successfully completed Exercise Adamant Serpent 26, a critical training event aimed at bolstering allied interoperability and rapid response capabilities in the strategically vital High North and Baltic approaches. The exercise, led by U.S. Special Operations Command Europe (SOCEUR), took place across Norway and Sweden from October 12-29, 2025.

Approximately 400 personnel participated in the annual drill, which has been conducted since 2021. Its primary objective was to apply modern tactical warfighting techniques and demonstrate advanced operational integration for deploying units to arctic and subarctic environments.

Strategic Importance and Key Locations

The exercise underscored NATO's renewed focus on the High North and Baltic regions, reflecting the current global security dynamics. Norway provided essential infrastructure and ranges, including at Rygge Air Base, while Sweden, now integrated into NATO planning, contributed training areas to test mobility, logistics, and joint effects in demanding terrain.

Lieutenant General Richard Angle, Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command Europe, emphasized the significance of the collaboration, stating, 'Adapting to modern warfare requires a united front. Exercise Adamant Serpent demonstrates the robust partnership between the U.S. and our NATO Allies as we collaborate to address challenges in the High North.' Brigadier General Thomas Harlem of the Norwegian Air Force Warfare Center highlighted the exercise's strategic nature, noting that 'The interoperability with U.S. and Allied forces, combined with air support, is important to secure the High North.'

Training Scenarios and Capabilities Tested

During the exercise, participants engaged in a variety of complex scenarios designed to sharpen their skills. The 352d Special Operations Wing (SOW) conducted tactical air-to-air refueling (TAAR) operations over Norway and Sweden. Additionally, U.S. Army 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Green Berets and Swedish K3 Rangers performed infiltrations using MC-130J Commando II aircraft and DAGOR A1 mobility vehicles, with one training location being the Scandinavian Mountains Airport in Dalarna, Sweden.

Lieutenant General Carl-Johan Edström, Chief of the Defence Staff for the Swedish Armed Forces, remarked on the benefits for Sweden, stating, 'Hosting exercises such as these is important for us for many reasons. It enhances our operational effect, and it shows our shared commitment to the security of the Baltic Sea Region and the High North.' The exercise reinforced the ability of NATO Allies to deploy, fight, and win as a unified, multinational force, stressing preparedness that cannot wait until a crisis arises.