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Thousands of troops from NATO member states and partner countries are training in harsh Arctic conditions as part of the multinational military exercise Cold Response 2026, led by Norway.

The large-scale drills aim to strengthen Allied cooperation and ensure forces are prepared to operate in extreme winter environments across land, sea, and air.

The exercise, which runs from March 9 to March 22, brings together approximately 25,000 soldiers from 14 nations. Training activities are taking place in northern Norway, Finland, and nearby maritime areas, with additional air operations over parts of northern Sweden.

Cold Response is one of NATO’s most important cold-weather exercises and has been held regularly in Norway for many years. The training focuses on improving cooperation between allied forces and ensuring they can respond effectively to crises in difficult environments.

Multinational Participation

According to Norwegian authorities, about 11,800 soldiers are training on Norwegian soil, mainly in the regions of Troms and northern Nordland. Other participating forces are operating at sea, in the air, and across neighboring Finland.

Countries taking part in the exercise include Norway, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Canada, Spain, Turkiye, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Belgium.

An extra edge in the Arctic ❄️@RoyalMarines Colour Sergeant Dan Lyness, stated:
“Heavy lift Uncrewed Aerial Systems have been used extensively in the Russia/Ukraine conflict with many new use cases, so it is critical we master this emerging capability quickly, training in the… pic.twitter.com/zXzbzTs3Ex

— NATO Allied Joint Force Command Norfolk – JFCNF (@JFCNorfolk) February 26, 2026

The drills involve a wide range of military activities designed to simulate realistic combat and crisis scenarios. Forces are conducting operations across multiple domains, including land, air, sea, cyber, and space, creating a highly realistic training environment.

Norway’s Minister of Defense Tore O. Sandvik said the exercise is important for strengthening national and allied defense capabilities. “In a more unpredictable world, we must strengthen Norway’s defense capability,” Sandvik said.

He added that the exercise demonstrates how allied forces can work together under demanding conditions while also testing Norway’s broader national preparedness system.

Training in Extreme Arctic Conditions

Cold Response focuses heavily on preparing troops for operations in one of the world’s most challenging environments. Northern Norway offers a mix of rugged mountains, frozen fjords, deep snow, and icy seas.

Troops taking part in the exercise must train to move and fight in freezing temperatures while carrying heavy equipment. In some cases, soldiers practice survival skills such as responding to falling through ice while wearing full combat gear.

The goal is to ensure that NATO forces remain capable of operating effectively in extreme climates, a key requirement for defending the Alliance’s northern regions.

Over the coming weeks, troops will conduct live-fire drills, large-scale maneuvers, amphibious operations, and air support missions. Forces will also test logistics, coordination, and command structures under winter conditions.

Norway plays a key role in developing this expertise. The country hosts the NATO Centre of Excellence for Cold Weather Operations, which helps train allied forces to operate in Arctic environments.

Air Power and Specialized Aircraft Deployed

Several advanced aircraft are participating in the exercise to support operations and simulate combat scenarios.

F-35A Lightning II fighter jets from the 48th Fighter Wing based at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom are operating from Orland Air Base in Norway. The stealth fighters are expected to provide significant combat power and demonstrate NATO’s ability to project air power in the Arctic.

Search and rescue capabilities are also being tested during the exercise. HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters from the 56th Rescue Squadron at Aviano Air Base in Italy, along with HC-130J Combat King II aircraft from Moody Air Force Base in the United States, are operating from Bardufoss in Norway. These aircraft will conduct combat search and rescue missions in both Norway and Sweden.

Additional support aircraft are also involved. KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft from the 100th Air Refueling Wing at RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom are providing aerial refueling for Allied aircraft.

Meanwhile, a C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft from March Air Reserve Base in California is operating from Sola Air Base in Norway, providing airlift support and logistical transport during the exercise.

Sweden and Finland Increase Participation

The exercise also reflects NATO’s growing cooperation with Finland and Sweden, which have recently deepened their security ties with the Alliance.

Sweden is contributing more than 3,000 soldiers, officers, and civilian personnel to Cold Response 2026. Military aviation activities linked to the exercise are taking place over Norrbotten and parts of Vasterbotten in northern Sweden.

Aircraft from several countries, including combat jets, helicopters, and transport aircraft, are conducting flights over the region as part of the training.

French and Italian troops are also participating alongside Finnish forces, with Finnish instructors providing training on the use of specialized equipment designed for Arctic conditions.

Images shared by the French Defense Staff show Finnish instructors teaching foreign soldiers how to operate and survive in extreme winter environments.

Strengthening NATO’s Northern Defense

Cold Response 2026 is Norway’s largest military exercise scheduled for the year and forms part of the country’s broader Total Defense 2026 initiative. The program focuses on strengthening cooperation between military forces and civilian institutions in crisis situations.

The exercise also highlights NATO’s focus on strengthening security along its northern flank, a region that has gained strategic importance in recent years.

By conducting training far from North America, U.S. forces are also practicing how to maintain a security perimeter and respond to potential threats before they reach American territory.

Military officials say the drills are designed to ensure Allied forces maintain operational readiness and can deter hostile actions in the Arctic region.

At the same time, Cold Response remains a long-planned and regularly scheduled exercise, intended to improve interoperability between allied militaries rather than respond to any specific conflict.

The training serves as a reminder that defending the Alliance requires forces capable of operating anywhere, from deserts to oceans to the frozen Arctic wilderness.