PETERSON SFB, Colo. – U.S. Northern Command successfully concluded Arctic Edge 2025, a joint and combined multi-domain Field Training Exercise (FTX) conducted across Alaska from Aug. 1-31, 2025. The exercise demonstrated readiness, enhanced interoperability, and advanced capabilities in the Arctic region.
AE25 included participation from USNORTHCOM forces, from Air Forces Northern, Army North, Naval Forces Northern, Marine Forces Northern, Special Operations Forces North, and Alaska Command. AE25 also included participation from allied nations including the UK and Denmark, and interagency partners such as the Alaska National Guard, FBI, U.S. Coast Guard, NOAA, Alaska State and local law enforcement, and Alaska Native communities.
Key events during AE25 showcased the complexity and innovation required for Arctic operations. A joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal team conducted mine clearance operations at Port Mackenzie and Cook Inlet, overcoming extreme tidal changes, high currents, and limited visibility to capture critical observations for future EOD operations in the Alaska Theater of Operations. The team also recovered, transferred, and exploited a simulated foreign unmanned underwater vehicle.
A joint U.S. Marine Corps/USCG team executed a simulated raid to seize Port Mackenzie, reestablishing force flow through the port, while the Army’s 3rd Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary) opened the unimproved port, conducting transit operations using austere facilities.
Additional highlights included HIMARS Rapid Insertion (HIRAIN) missions, live-fire exercises, integrated air and missile defense engagements, and maritime security operations in the Bering Sea. These events provided invaluable training opportunities and strengthened USNORTHCOM’s Arctic readiness. USNORTHCOM also conducted cross-combatant command coordination and shared a common operational picture with U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, as Artic Edge ran concurrently with U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s Northern Edge 2025.
Arctic Edge 2025 demonstrated the ability of engaged forces to assure, deter, and defend North America in an increasingly complex Arctic security environment. Lessons learned will inform future operations and strengthen Arctic readiness.
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NOTE TO EDITORS: For further information, please contact U.S. Northern Command Public Affairs at (719) 554-6889 or email us at n-ncpa.omb@mail.mil. After duty hours, please call (719) 217-3716.
Video and imagery of Arctic Edge 2025 will be posted at DVIDS - Arctic Edge 2025.
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