About Arctic Shock

Arctic Shock is a combined U.S. and Norwegian exercise supporting the National Arctic Strategy that enhances multi-combatant command relationships, airborne interoperability, and Arctic capabilities. 

The exercise takes place from March 18 to 22, 2024, in Bardufoss, Norway, with around 150 U.S. Soldiers from the 11th Airborne Division and around 100 soldiers from the Norwegian Armed Forces participating. 

The exercise consists of an over-the-pole movement from Alaska to Norway, an airborne jump, and a field training exercise focused on cold-weather capabilities demonstrating the U.S. commitment to defend the High North.

Arctic Forge Images
Press Information

 

Videos
Video by Sgt. Devyn Adams
Soldiers conduct force-on-force combat training for Swift Response during DEFENDER 25
82nd Airborne Division
May 14, 2025 | 2:52
Paratroopers from 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division along with Norwegian, Hungarian and British 2nd Battalion Parachute Regiment soldiers after conducting a force-on-force combat training exercise for Swift Response 25 during DEFENDER 25 in Norway, May 15, 2025. DEFENDER 25 increases the lethality of the NATO alliance through large-scale tactical training maneuvers and long-range fires, builds unit readiness in a complex joint, multinational environment and leverages host nation capabilities to increase the U.S. Army’s operational reach. During three large-scale combat training exercises—Swift Response, Immediate Response, and Saber Guardian—Ally and partner forces integrate and expand multi-domain operations capability, demonstrating combined command and control structures and readiness to respond to crisis and conflict. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Devyn Adams)
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