Story perspectives

NATO's Cold Response Drills: 25,000 Troops Strengthen Arctic Defense

3/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

NATO's Cold Response drills run March 9–19 to bolster defenses in the European Arctic near Russia.
About 25,000 troops from 14 nations participate, with the United States contributing 4,000 personnel.
Exercises are part of Arctic Sentry to strengthen NATO's presence and address Greenland tensions.
Prior to drills, the United States withdrew a squadron of F-35 jets for operational adjustments.
Major-General Lars Lervik emphasized civilian readiness and outlined a hospital-casualty capacity test.

1 of 1

Story summary

NATO's Cold Response drills run March 9–19 to bolster defenses in the European Arctic near Russia.
About 25,000 troops from 14 nations participate, with the United States contributing 4,000 personnel.
Exercises are part of Arctic Sentry to strengthen NATO's presence and address Greenland tensions.
Prior to drills, the United States withdrew a squadron of F-35 jets for operational adjustments.
Major-General Lars Lervik emphasized civilian readiness and outlined a hospital-casualty capacity test.