US soldiers show readiness for Arctic warfare exercise Arctic Edge 24.

Arctic Edge (AE24) is a U.S. Northern Command-led homeland defense exercise demonstrating the U.S. military's capabilities in extreme cold weather, technical tests in cold weather, joint force readiness, and U.S. military commitment to mutual strategic security interests in the Arctic region. Taking place from February 23 to March 11, 2024, this year  AE24 will be focused on high technology materials testing and military cooperation.
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US Marines exfil with a UH-60 Black Hawk (Picture source: US Marine Reserve Force  )

The US NORTH COMMAND is set to organize Arctic Edge 2024, a comprehensive joint and multi-domain Field Training Exercise (FTX), from February 23 to March 11, 2024, across Alaska Arctic. This extensive exercise will focus on operations in extremely cold climates and high latitude settings, involving the command's main headquarters, its components including Special Operations Command North and Marine Forces North, and contributions from international allies and interagency groups.

Engagement from state and local entities such as the Alaska National Guard, law enforcement, indigenous communities, and other local organizations will further enrich the exercise.

In a significant augmentation, the North American Aerospace Defense Command will support Arctic Edge 2024 (AE24), aiming to bolster integrated deterrence and exploit strategic opportunities. The primary goals are to evaluate and refine operational procedures, strengthen partnerships, verify the preparedness levels of participating units, and conduct trials that propel forward USNORTHCOM's science and technology endeavors in the Arctic.

Technically, the primary purpose of this exercise is to prepare troops and vehicles for the unique demands of Arctic warfare, including extreme cold weather operations, high-altitude warfare, and operations on ice-covered terrains.
It focuses on testing and improving the ability of military personnel to operate advanced technology and equipment under harsh Arctic conditions, ensuring effective communication, mobility, and sustainability in an environment where traditional operations are significantly hampered by weather and geography.

As an example, the Marine Forces Reserve will, on February 10, 2024, field-tested an AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) in support of exercise Arctic Edge 2024 (AE24) at Fort Greely, Alaska. Colonel Ryan Allen, Commanding Officer of Marine Air Control Group 48, said“The AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR radar, which is a three-dimensional, expeditionary, medium-range multi-role radar capable of detecting low-observable, low-radar-cross-section targets such as cruise missiles, manned aircraft, and unmanned aerial system is employed by the unit across the range of military operations and provides significant range, detection, and target classification against existing and evolving threats,”

Arctic Edge 24 also aims to bolster the U.S. military's ability to defend national interests and support allies in the Arctic, a region of growing geopolitical importance due to its rich natural resources and strategic maritime routes. By conducting such exercises, the U.S. demonstrates its commitment to ensuring peace and stability in the area, while enhancing interoperability among the armed forces and with partner nations that share a vested interest in the Arctic's security.

Arctic Edge stands as a yearly military drill, emphasizing the readiness and resolve of U.S. and Canadian forces to maintain security and stability in the evolving Arctic landscape, underscoring a commitment to assurance, deterrence, and defense measures.

Defense News March 2024