About 25,000 troops from 14 countries have begun large-scale military exercises in the Arctic as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization launched its biennial “Cold Response” drills on Monday.
The exercises, which run from March 9 to March 19, are being conducted in northern Norway and Finland and focus on defending NATO’s Arctic territory while also testing the role of civilians in supporting military operations.
This year’s drills take place against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tension, including remarks by US President Donald Trump about potentially acquiring Greenland from Denmark, a NATO member.
Trump has argued that control of Greenland is necessary to counter Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic, while the governments of Denmark and Greenland have repeatedly said the island is not for sale.
The exercises are part of NATO’s broader “Arctic Guardian” mission, aimed at strengthening the alliance’s presence in the polar region and easing tensions surrounding Arctic security.
Approximately 4,000 US troops are expected to take part in the drills, alongside forces from Denmark and other NATO member states.
Ahead of the exercises, the US military withdrew a squadron of F-35 Lightning II fighter jets from participation. Officials declined to say whether the ongoing war in the Middle East influenced the decision.
A spokesperson for US Marine Corps in Europe said the US military routinely reallocates forces worldwide depending on operational needs.
Norway has declared 2026 the year of “Total Defense,” focusing on improving readiness among civilians, businesses and public institutions to respond to wars and other major crises.
As part of the exercises, the military will also conduct drills testing hospitals in northern Norway on their ability to treat large numbers of casualties evacuated from a simulated battlefield in Finland.
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