OCTOBER 29, 2025 – In a demonstration of rapid deployment capabilities and commitment to Arctic security, U.S. Air Forces Northern (AFNORTH) in partnership with the Kingdom of Denmark and coordinated by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), concluded a dynamic operational exercise Oct. 7-11, 2025, at Pituffik Space Base, Greenland.
The exercise highlights the critical role Greenland plays in the defense of North America and underscores the importance of enhanced Arctic operational readiness. Personnel and aircraft from multiple U.S. Air National Guard units, including KC-135 Stratotankers, F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft, and F-16 Fighting Falcons, surged to the strategically important location to exercise readiness and strengthen interoperability with Danish partners.
“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,” said Lt. Gen. Luke Ahmann, Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region – 1st Air Force (Air Forces Northern and Air Forces Space) commander. “But more importantly, it highlighted the strength of our partnership with the Kingdom of Denmark. We deeply value their collaboration and the critical support they provide, particularly the Royal Danish Air Force’s commitment to search and rescue capabilities in this region. Their partnership is essential to ensuring the safety and security of operations in the Arctic.”
The operation saw 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 deploy to Pituffik in a short period. Operations began Oct. 8, with the first aircraft returning to their home station on Oct. 9, and all aircraft departing Greenland by Oct. 11.
Partnering with the Royal Danish Air Force, NORAD aircraft supported them in maintaining a constant state of readiness for Search and Rescue (SAR) operations. Danish specialized Bombardier Challenger 604 aircraft and highly trained personnel provided SAR coverage, a vital capability in the demanding Arctic environment, ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants.
Greenland’s strategic location makes it a vital component in the defense of North America. Since June, U.S. Northern Command has assumed responsibility for ensuring defense of the homeland vis-à-vis Greenland. The United States is committed to strengthening its cooperation with the Kingdom of Denmark in the region.
From the binational NORAD perspective, practicing cooperation between the U.S., Canada, as well as the Kingdom of Denmark and Greenland contributes to our collective security. This exercise is just one example of ongoing efforts to bolster Arctic security and ensure NORAD’s ability to effectively monitor and respond to potential threats.
“The rapid timeline presented a unique challenge,” said Maj. Daniel Schoettle, CONR-1AF (AFNORTH & AFSPACE) Operations Contingency Plans chief. “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. The success of this exercise demonstrates the exceptional capabilities and dedication of our Airmen and the strength of our partnership with the Kingdom of Denmark.”
NORAD, a bi-national Canadian and American command, employs a network of space-based, aerial and ground-based sensors, air-to-air refueling tankers, and fighter aircraft on alert, controlled by a sophisticated command and control network to detect, deter, and defend against aerial threats that originate outside or within North American airspace. A component of NORAD, CONR provides airspace warning and control and directs aerospace control activities for the continental United States.
AFNORTH is responsible for homeland defense, defense support of civil authorities and theater security cooperation. AFNORTH provides Department of War capabilities for disaster response operations in support of the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, the National Interagency Fire Center, and state and local officials.
We have the Watch.
Story by Lt. Col. Andrew Scott
CONR-1AF (AFNORTH and AFSPACE)