U.S. And Allies Enhance Arctic Defense Capabilities in Cold Response 26
BARDUFOSS AIR STATION, Norway – U.S. Air Force Airmen, alongside Norwegian and allied partners, recently concluded participation in Exercise Cold Response 26, a Norwegian-led multinational training event designed to enhance collective defense, sharpen warfighting skills, and reinforce deterrence capabilities in the high north. The exercise, which involved more than 25,000 military and civilian personnel from over a dozen NATO nations, took place across Norway, Sweden, and Finland.
Strengthening the NATO Alliance Through Joint Training
Exercise Cold Response 26 focused on testing interoperability and readiness in the challenging Arctic environment. According to U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Dustin Merritt, 493rd Fighter Squadron commander, “During Cold Response, we are able to help strengthen the alliance by practicing and integrating with the other partners, from the mission planning to the actual execution at the squadron level.”
Airpower Integration in a Complex Environment
F-35A Lightning IIs from the 48th Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom, operated out of Ørland Air Force Station, Norway, flying alongside Royal Norwegian Air Force F-35s. This integration demonstrated advanced fifth-generation fighter capabilities across allied forces, including complex night operations to strengthen collective combat capability.
The air combat picture was further enhanced by the participation of Finnish Air Force F/A-18 Hornets from the 211th Fighter Squadron and Swedish Air Force JAS 39 Gripens from Karelia Air Wing, expanding multinational integration and reinforcing allied interoperability in challenging scenarios.
Aerial Refueling and Combat Search and Rescue
KC-135 Stratotankers assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, based at RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom, provided critical aerial refueling support, extending the range and endurance of U.S. And allied aircraft. U.S. Air Force Capt. Jeff Chae, KC-135 pilot with the 100th ARW, emphasized the importance of preplanning and coordination for safe aerial refueling operations.
HC-130J Combat King II aircraft from the 23rd Wing, stationed at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, also conducted in-air refueling with Swedish Air Force JAS 39 Gripens. HC-130J crews supported combat search and rescue missions alongside Airmen from the 56th and 57th Rescue Squadrons, from Aviano Air Base, Italy. Using HH-60W Jolly Green IIs, the integrated team conducted personnel recovery operations in austere Arctic conditions, including hoist, rappelling, and simulated recovery missions.
Maintaining Readiness in Extreme Conditions
Maintainers across all participating units worked in freezing temperatures, high winds, rain, and snow to ensure aircraft survivability and mission readiness. Their efforts were crucial in enabling aircrews and rescue crews to execute complex missions despite the extreme Arctic conditions.
Reinforcing Deterrence and Collective Defense
Exercise Cold Response 26 demonstrated NATO’s ability to rapidly deploy, integrate, and sustain combat-ready forces in the high north. By strengthening stability in this vital region, the exercise enhances the ability to defend the homeland by deterring potential threats. As Lt. Col. Merritt stated, “By exercising in Cold Response, the ability to execute missions rapidly and flexibly is one of the byproducts of this. It sends a message that we’re ready as part of NATO to deter and defend whatever we need to when the time arises.”
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