Allied Forces Conclude Arctic Training During Exercise Cold Response 26

Exercise Cold Response 26, a Norwegian-led multinational training event, has concluded following several weeks of operations across Norway, Sweden and Finland. The exercise brought together more than 25,000 military and civilian personnel from over a dozen NATO and partner nations, with a focus on improving interoperability, readiness and coordination in Arctic conditions.

The training event incorporated air, land and maritime components, with air operations playing a central role in demonstrating multinational integration. Participating air forces conducted a range of missions designed to simulate high-intensity scenarios and address the operational challenges associated with extreme weather, limited daylight, and dispersed basing locations.

Among the primary assets were U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft from RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom, which deployed to Norway for the exercise. These aircraft operated alongside Royal Norwegian Air Force F-35s, enabling participating units to train in coordinated fifth-generation operations. Missions included both daytime and night flying, with an emphasis on communication, mission planning and joint execution.

In addition to fifth-generation platforms, Finnish Air Force F/A-18 Hornets and Swedish Air Force JAS 39 Gripens contributed to the overall air component. The inclusion of multiple aircraft types allowed planners to evaluate how different systems and operational approaches could be integrated within a single mission framework. This approach reflects ongoing efforts within NATO to ensure compatibility across a diverse range of aircraft and technologies.

Aerial refuelling was an important enabler throughout the exercise. U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotankers from RAF Mildenhall supported participating aircraft by extending their operational range and time on station. These missions required detailed coordination, particularly given the environmental conditions, which included low temperatures, high winds and variable visibility.

HC-130J Combat King II aircraft also contributed to refuelling operations, including support for Swedish Gripens and Finnish Air Force F/A-18Cs. In addition to their refuelling role, these aircraft participated in combat search and rescue (CSAR) missions, illustrating the multi-role capabilities required in expeditionary operations.

CSAR activities were conducted using U.S. Air Force HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters, working in conjunction with Swedish Air Force Rangers. Training scenarios included simulated personnel recovery, hoist operations and medical evacuation procedures in remote and austere environments. These missions were intended to refine coordination between aircrews and ground teams, as well as to assess response times under challenging conditions.

The Arctic environment presented a number of operational and logistical challenges throughout the exercise. Maintenance personnel from participating nations were required to sustain aircraft in freezing temperatures and adverse weather, ensuring that sorties could continue as scheduled. These efforts formed a key part of the exercise, highlighting the importance of sustainment and support functions in maintaining operational capability.

Cold Response 26 also involved the use of multiple operating locations across the region. By distributing forces across several air bases, participating units were able to practise deployment, coordination and sustainment in a dispersed operating environment. This approach is increasingly relevant in modern military planning, where flexibility and resilience are considered essential.

While the exercise focused on practical training objectives, it also provided an opportunity for participating nations to work together in a structured environment. The combination of different aircraft, personnel and operational procedures required a high level of coordination, contributing to a broader understanding of how multinational forces can operate together.

Overall, Exercise Cold Response 26 served as a platform for testing and refining a range of capabilities, from advanced air operations to logistics and personnel recovery. The experience gained during the exercise is expected to inform future training activities and operational planning, particularly in environments with similar climatic and geographic challenges.

As Arctic regions continue to attract strategic attention, training events such as Cold Response provide a structured means for military forces to develop the skills and coordination required to operate effectively in these conditions.