NORAD Concludes Rapid Arctic Deployment Exercise in Greenland

NORAD Strengthens Arctic Readiness with Greenland Exercise

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), in collaboration with the Kingdom of Denmark, recently concluded a dynamic operational exercise at Pituffik Space Base in Greenland. The exercise, which ran from October 7 to October 11, 2025, showcased the rapid deployment capabilities of advanced aircraft, including F-35 Lightning IIs, F-16 Fighting Falcons, and KC-135 Stratotankers, to the strategically vital Arctic region. Operations commenced on October 8, with all aircraft departing Greenland by October 11.

Dynamic Deployment and Interoperability

The exercise involved personnel and aircraft from multiple U.S. Air National Guard units. Specifically, three KC-135 Stratotankers from the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 128th Air Refueling Wing, two F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft from the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 115th Fighter Wing, and two F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft from the South Carolina Air National Guard's 169th Fighter Wing were rapidly deployed to Pituffik. The primary objective was to test and demonstrate the ability to quickly and efficiently deploy forces to the Arctic, enhancing operational readiness and strengthening interoperability with Danish partners. The Royal Danish Air Force also provided critical search and rescue (SAR) coverage during the operation.

Greenland's Strategic Importance in Arctic Defense

Pituffik Space Base, formerly known as Thule Air Base, serves as the U.S. military's northernmost installation and plays a critical role in the defense of North America. Its strategic location is essential for missile defense, space-based missions, and satellite tracking operations. Lieutenant General Luke Ahmann, commander of Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region – 1st Air Force (Air Forces Northern and Air Forces Space), emphasized the significance of the exercise, stating, '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.' He further highlighted the strength of the partnership with the Kingdom of Denmark, calling their collaboration and support 'essential to ensuring the safety and security of operations in the Arctic.'

Challenges and Future Readiness

The rapid timeline for deployment presented unique challenges, as noted by Major Daniel Schoettle, CONR-1AF (AFNORTH & AFSPACE) Operations Contingency Plans chief. He remarked, '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.' This exercise underscores NORAD's ongoing commitment to maintaining a robust defense posture in the Arctic, a region of increasing geopolitical importance, and its ability to respond to potential threats across North American airspace.