Arctic edge 2026: us and allies test resolve amid shifting threats

U.S. forces concluded their annual Arctic training exercise, Arctic Edge 2026, with a significant expansion this year, encompassing both Alaska and Greenland – a move reflecting growing concerns about Russian and, increasingly, Chinese military ambitions in the far north.

Exercise highlights readiness for emerging threats

The joint training, coordinated with Denmark, saw U.S. and Danish special forces operating in Greenland. This year's exercise, held in the depths of winter, prioritized adapting to the harsh Arctic environment, a key lesson underscored by the challenges of operating in sub-zero temperatures.

“Half of the battle in exercising in the wintertime in the Arctic is simply surviving,” said Lt. Gen. Iain Huddleston, deputy commander of NORAD. The exercise wasn't focused on a specific adversary, but rather on preparing for potential threats like cruise missiles, a capability increasingly associated with Russia and China. While officials insist there's no current intelligence suggesting an imminent threat to Alaska, the focus remains on ensuring defensive capabilities are ready.

A significant element of this year’s training involved responding to drone incursions. At Fort Greely, Alaska, military personnel practiced detecting and neutralizing both single drones conducting surveillance and small swarms. Although undetected drones were encountered, existing sensor systems proved resilient to the extreme cold. The military managed to disable one drone using a counter-unmanned aerial system, preserving it for analysis.

The rapid evolution of drone technology presents a persistent challenge. Military programs struggle to keep pace with the advancements in commercial drone development.