BARDUFOSS AIR STATION, Norway – U.S. And allied forces recently concluded Exercise Cold Response 26, a large-scale multinational training event focused on bolstering collective defense and reinforcing deterrence capabilities in the Arctic region. The exercise, led by Norway, brought together over 25,000 personnel from more than a dozen NATO nations, testing their ability to operate in the challenging conditions of the high north. The drills underscore a growing focus on Arctic readiness as geopolitical dynamics shift and the region gains strategic importance.
The exercise wasn’t simply about demonstrating military might; it was a complex integration of air, land, and sea forces designed to enhance interoperability – the ability of different militaries to work seamlessly together. From complex night operations to personnel recovery in austere environments, Cold Response 26 aimed to sharpen warfighting skills and send a clear message of allied resolve. The scale of the exercise, and the participation of nations like Finland and Sweden, even before their full NATO membership is finalized, highlights the alliance’s commitment to security in the region.
“During Cold Response, we are able to aid strengthen the alliance by practicing and integrating with the other partners, from the mission planning to the actual execution at the squadron level,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Dustin Merritt, commander of the 493rd Fighter Squadron, in a statement released during the exercise. This emphasis on integration was a key component of the training, ensuring that allied forces can effectively coordinate and respond to potential threats.
Strengthening Airpower in the Arctic
A significant portion of Cold Response 26 focused on air operations, with U.S. F-35A Lightning IIs from the 48th Fighter Wing, based at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom, playing a central role. Operating out of Ørland Air Force Station in Norway, these fifth-generation fighters flew alongside their Norwegian counterparts from the 123rd Luftving, conducting demanding training scenarios. The F-35’s advanced capabilities, including stealth and sensor fusion, were put to the test in the challenging Arctic environment. The F-35A Lightning II is a key component of the U.S. Air Force’s modern fighter fleet.
The air combat picture was further enriched by the participation of the Finnish Air Force, deploying F/A-18 Hornets from the 211th Fighter Squadron, and the Swedish Air Force, contributing JAS 39 Gripens from Karelia Air Wing. This multinational integration demonstrated a commitment to collective security and interoperability, allowing pilots and crews to practice coordinating tactics and procedures. The inclusion of both legacy and advanced aircraft underscored the importance of working with a diverse range of capabilities.
The Critical Role of Aerial Refueling
Sustaining these extensive air operations required a robust aerial refueling capability. KC-135 Stratotankers, assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing based at RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom, provided crucial support, extending the range and endurance of both U.S. And allied aircraft. The KC-135 Stratotanker has been a mainstay of the U.S. Air Force’s refueling fleet for decades.
“Air-to-air refueling is an inherently a dangerous job because you’re flying two or more airplanes incredibly, very close together in proximity, so it takes a lot of preplanning, mission planning and coordination prior to, and good communication with our NATO allies and partners,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Jeff Chae, a KC-135 pilot with the 100th ARW. “I think the exercise really helps us to practice what we play and strengthens the NATO alliance, making us a more cohesive and capable force.”
Adding to the refueling support, HC-130J Combat King II aircraft from the 23rd Wing, stationed at Moody Air Force Base in Georgia, conducted in-air refueling with Swedish Air Force JAS 39 Gripens. This demonstrated the versatility of the HC-130J and its ability to support a wide range of operations.
Beyond Refueling: Search and Rescue Capabilities
Cold Response 26 also focused on enhancing combat search and rescue (CSAR) capabilities. HC-130J crews worked alongside Airmen from the 56th and 57th Rescue Squadrons, based at Aviano Air Base in Italy, and Swedish Air Force Rangers to practice personnel recovery operations in the challenging Arctic terrain. Using HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters from the 56th RQS, the integrated team conducted hoist, rappelling, and simulated recovery missions, honing their skills in locating, treating, and extracting isolated personnel. The HH-60W Jolly Green II represents the latest generation of combat search and rescue helicopters.
The demanding conditions of the Arctic – freezing temperatures, high winds, and limited visibility – added a significant layer of complexity to these CSAR exercises. Successfully executing these missions requires meticulous planning, precise coordination, and a high level of proficiency from all involved personnel.
Maintaining aircraft readiness in these harsh conditions was also a critical aspect of the exercise. Maintainers across all participating units worked tirelessly to ensure aircraft survivability and mission capability, often battling freezing temperatures, high winds, rain, and snow. Their dedication was essential to the success of the overall operation.
The culmination of these efforts demonstrated NATO’s ability to rapidly deploy, integrate, and sustain combat-ready forces in the high north, reinforcing a unified and capable defensive alliance. By strengthening stability in this vital region of the European theater, Cold Response enhances the ability to deter potential threats before they reach U.S. Borders. 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.”
Looking ahead, NATO will continue to assess the lessons learned from Cold Response 26 and incorporate them into future training exercises. The alliance is scheduled to conduct further exercises in the Arctic region in the coming year, focusing on refining interoperability and enhancing readiness. Official reports detailing the exercise’s outcomes and recommendations are expected to be released by NATO headquarters in the coming months.
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