Through an official statement published on October 29, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) confirmed the deployment of U.S. Air Force F-16 and F-35A fighters for a rapid deployment exercise in Greenland, which took place between the 7th and 11th of the same month. According to the report, the activity was carried out in close cooperation with the Kingdom of Denmark from Pituffik Space Base, with the goal not only of demonstrating U.S. deterrence capabilities in the region but also of highlighting the island’s great importance to U.S. defense strategies.
Quoting some official statements, Lieutenant General Luke Ahmann stated: “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. 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.”
Delving into some details, it should be noted that the U.S. Air Force deployed F-16 fighters operating under the command of the 169th Fighter Wing of the South Carolina Air National Guard, while the fifth-generation F-35 aircraft belonged to the 115th Fighter Wing of the Wisconsin Air National Guard, with two aircraft of each model participating in the exercise. In addition, to provide necessary aerial refueling support for the fighters, the Air Force also deployed three KC-135 Stratotanker tankers from the 128th Air Refueling Wing of the Wisconsin Air National Guard.
The official statement further specifies that the aircraft deployment was supported by various Danish assets on standby in case a search and rescue mission was required in the harsh Arctic operational environment. In detail, Copenhagen made available at least one Bombardier Challenger 604 aircraft specialized in such missions, as well as teams trained for SAR operations in case of any eventuality.
Moreover, referring to the significance of U.S.-Danish cooperation in the region, Major Daniel Schoettle noted: “The rapid timeline presented a unique challenge. 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.”
In this regard, NORAD’s role as a binational organization involving both the United States and Canada stands out, providing a comprehensive network of sensors of various types to monitor activity over these regions while maintaining a force of fighters and surveillance aircraft on alert to respond to any potential threat. According to its leadership, integrating Greenland as part of this structure enhances security by adding new deployment points that expand the monitoring area for this strategically important region—so much so that Washington has already committed to ensuring the defense of the island territory closely linked to Denmark.
Image credits: CONR-1AF (AFNORTH and AFSPACE)
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