Training in Arctic areas is becoming increasingly intense for NATO armies. After the Alpini with the CWO exercise in the Arctic environmenthundreds of American and Norwegian parachutists tested their skills in extreme cold conditions as part of Exercise Arctic Shock.
The US unit involved was the Alaska-based 11th Airborne Division, nicknamed the 'Arctic Angels'.
Members of the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team Airborne landed on Lake Takvatnet after jumping from a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft.
General Brian Eifler, commander of the 11th Airborne Division, emphasised the importance of the Arctic as a crucial region for power projection and national defence, stating that exercises of this type highlight Alaska's strategic position in the world and the 11th Airborne Division's strategic value to the military and the nation.
"We appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with the Norwegian Armed Forces and learn advanced cold weather warfare techniques from their vast experience, while demonstrating our growing Arctic professionalism," said Gen. Eifler.
Exercise Arctic Shock is a joint US-Norwegian military exercise carried out in support of the National Arctic Strategy. The five-day exercise runs until 22 March in Bardufoss, in the Norwegian county of Troms, and involves 150 American and 100 Norwegian soldiers.
The Arctic Shock includes a transpolar movement from northern Alaska to Norway, parachute jump and field exercise focused on capabilities in cold environments, demonstrating the US commitment to defending the High North.
The aim is to strengthen relations between the various combatant commands, improving parachute interoperability and enhancing operational capabilities in the Arctic environment. This engagement has become increasingly important over the past two years, following the escalation of geopolitical tensions after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Indeed, the need to strengthen military readiness and cooperation in strategic regions such as the Arctic has increased, highlighting the importance of NATO exercises such as Arctic Shock to ensure a coordinated and effective response in every scenario.