U.S. Arctic drills showcase rapid force deployment as Russia and China increase presence
U.S. and Canadian forces carried out large-scale Arctic exercises in Alaska, proving they can quickly move rockets, aircraft and ships to counter rising Russian and Chinese activity.
In a series of joint exercises called Tundra Merlin, U.S. and Canadian forces demonstrated the ability to assemble combat power across Alaska’s vast, frigid terrain. A HIMARS rocket system and TPQ-53 radar were air-lifted by a Royal Canadian Air Force C-17 to western Alaska, where they coordinated with F-35, F-16 and KC-135 aircraft to strike a simulated target 135 miles away, while also practicing air-defence interceptions.
A separate maritime scenario north of Dutch Harbor integrated Coast Guard cutters, Canadian warships, submarines, patrol aircraft and F-35s to share targeting data in real time. Lt. Gen. Robert Davis highlighted that melting sea ice and increased Russian-Chinese activity are driving the need for rapid, interoperable forces. The Pentagon’s 2024 Arctic Strategy warns that Russia-China cooperation could alter regional stability, prompting the United States to maintain infrastructure and cold-weather-ready equipment. Recent NORAD interceptions of Russian Tu-95 and Chinese H-6 bombers over the Alaskan ADIZ illustrate the emerging threat environment that these drills aim to deter.
Why it matters
The drills prove the U.S. can quickly defend its northern frontier against growing Russian and Chinese Arctic ambitions.
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