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Arctic Challenge 2023: U.S. joins coalition for largest Nordic exercise

A Norwegian F-35 Lightning II receives fuel from a MAINEiac KC-135 Stratotanker above the Arctic Circle, May 29, 2023. The crews are taking part in Arctic Challenge Exercise 2023, a live fly exercise that serves to advance arctic security initiatives and enhance interoperability in the increasingly dynamic and contested region.

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Photo by: Master Sgt. Andrew Sinclair 

Arctic Challenge Exercise 2023, the premier Nordic large-force, live-fly field training exercise, will focus on advancing Arctic security initiatives and enhancing interoperability throughout the High North from May 29 - June 9, 2023, throughout Finland, Norway and Sweden.

As the newest member of NATO, Finland's lead during this year’s iteration of Arctic Challenge signifies the strength and capability of the Alliance throughout the Nordic region. The U.S., one of 13 nations and NATO participating int he sixth iteration of the exercise, is represented by U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa and the Maine Air National Guard.

RAF Lakenheath’s 48th Fighter Wing committed eight F-35A Lightning II fifth-generation stealth fighters to operate from Norway’s Ørland Air Base, and 14 F-15E Strike Eagle dual-role fighters to Finland’s Pirkkala Air Base.

A contingent of KC-135R Stratotanker aerial refueling aircraft from RAF Mildenhall’s 100th Air Refueling Wing and Maine Air National Guard’s 101st Air Refueling Wing are scheduled to support coalition aerial refueling requirements for the duration of the exercise from Norway’s Ørland Air Base and from RAF Mildenhall, U.K.

U.S. Air Force exercise controllers from Nellis Air Force Base’s 414th Combat Training “Red Flag” Squadron will integrate with Finnish, Swedish, and Norwegian coordinators at Sweden’s Luleå Air Base to support host nation exercise planners.

U.S. Marine Forces Europe and Africa will provide advanced ground-based radar capabilities for coalition forces throughout the exercise to extend aircraft visibility and advance air-to-ground training objectives.

By training and conducting realistic exercises in the High North U.S. forces and those of Allied and partner nations hone skills, fine-tune interoperability, nurture key relationships, and acclimate to the inherent challenges posed by fighting in the Arctic’s extreme conditions.