US, Canadian forces sharpen abilities in austere Alaskan region

Published Sept. 20, 2023
By John Ingle
North American Aerospace Defense Command Public Affairs

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFNS) --

Air, ground and naval forces from the United States and Canada under the authority of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command successfully completed maneuvers near Shemya, Attu and St. Lawrence Island, Alaska, Sept. 10, as part of a long-planned, bi-national operation to detect, deter and safeguard against potential threats to North America and the Arctic region.

230831-N-GG858-1092 — East coast based U.S. Naval Special Warfare Operators, SEALs, engages with an AC-130J Ghostrider as the aircraft conducts a flyover on Attu Island, Alaska, Aug. 31, 2023, as part of Operation Polar Dagger. During the operation, special operations forces projected the ability of U.S. forces to defend critical infrastructure, enhanced all-domain awareness, demonstrated operational reach, and strengthened the understanding of activity in the Arctic region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew Dickinson)

Forces in support of Operation Noble Defender, an operation supporting the NORAD and USNORTHCOM Homeland Defense Campaign plan, demonstrated their ability to operate in the dynamic Arctic region including unfavorable weather and the austere environment.

Gen. Glen VanHerck, commander of NORAD and USNORTHCOM, said as the environment continues to change, interest in the Arctic region increases and that makes the ability to execute operations there more important than ever.

“As strategic competitors take advantage of greater access and influence in the region, NORAD and USNORTHCOM must demonstrate the readiness and capability to persistently operate in the arctic,” he said. “Access to ready forces, trained and equipped to operate in the arctic is vital to the defense of North America and ensuring a peaceful and prosperous region.”

NORAD aircraft fly in support of Operation NOBLE DEFENDER — North American Aerospace Defense Command CF-18 Hornets and F-16 Fighting Falcons fly in formation in support of Operation Nobe Defender over Alaska, Aug. 24, 2023. The air component of the operation, called Operation Polar Arrow, demonstrated the ability to deploy assets in concert with special operations elements, as well as the ability to maintain air sovereignty over North America. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ricardo Sandoval)

Operation Noble Defender included USNORTHCOM air, ground, naval and special forces components conducting Operation Polar Dagger, designed to integrate joint special operations units and test new capabilities while defending critical infrastructure, enhancing all-domain awareness and strengthening the force’s understanding of the region.

USNORTHCOM contributes additional capabilities to Operation Noble Defender events to enhance integrated deterrence across strategic opportunities.

Operation Noble Defender also included an air component, Operation Polar Arrow, to demonstrate the ability to deploy assets in concert with special operations elements, as well as the ability to maintain air sovereignty over North America.

Naval Special Warfare operators fast-rope from two hovering helicopters into the mountains as an aircraft flies above. — Naval Special Warfare operators fast-rope from Army MH-60M helicopters while an Air Force AC-130J Ghostrider provides overwatch during Operation Polar Dagger on Attu Island, Alaska, Aug. 31, 2023. The operation is designed to sharpen joint special operations integration and provides the forces the opportunity to test new capabilities and advance response options. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Dickinson)

United States and Canadian NORAD assets such as F-16 Fighting Falcons, CF-18 Hornets, E-3 airborne warning and control system and KC-135 Stratotanker demonstrated the interoperability needed by this bi-national command as part of the layered defense structure required to defend North America.

Operation Noble Defender is a recurring NORAD air defense operation that demonstrates and strengthens the command’s ability to maintain mission readiness in various environments and to preserve capacity for follow-on operations.

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