Arctic – The Defense Post

Digital Render of Arctic Security Cutter

Christine CasimiroMay 14, 2026

US Coast Guard Finalizes $3.5B Contract for Five Arctic Security Cutters

The US Coast Guard has finalized a $3.5-billion contract for Davie Defense to supply a new class of polar icebreaker vessels comprising five Arctic Security Cutters.

Cold Weather Leaders Course students move through the rugged terrain at the Northern Warfare Training Center's Black Rapids Training Site during a snowstorm. NWTC cadre worked overtime to help meet the increased need for more Arctic experts in the units to help pass critical knowledge throughout the formations. (Army photo/John Pennell)

Rojoef ManuelApril 14, 2026

Baylor University Launches Arctic Lab to Study Cold’s Impact on Troops

Baylor University in Texas has opened a facility designed to simulate Arctic conditions and study how cold affects US warfighters and first responders.

Archer beyond-line-of-site troposcatter communications system.

Giulia BernacchiMarch 23, 2026

Canada to Test Archer Troposcatter System in Arctic, European Deployments

US-based firm Ultra I&C will supply its Archer troposcatter communication system for operational trials with the Canadian Armed Forces.

EdgeVOLT Cold Weather Variant battery storage systems

Rojoef ManuelFebruary 26, 2026

South 8, 3ME Team Up on Military Battery for Arctic Ops

American energy solutions company South 8 Technologies and Australian partner 3ME Technology have signed a letter of intent to develop a next-generation lithium-ion battery for defense operations in the Arctic.

Giulia BernacchiFebruary 25, 2026

UK Leverages Drones to Move Gear Across Extreme Arctic Terrain

The UK Royal Marines has achieved a series of operational firsts with heavy-lift drones during a deployment in Norway.

Staff Writer With AFPFebruary 23, 2026

‘No Thanks’: Greenland, Denmark Reject Trump’s Hospital Ship Offer

Denmark and its territory Greenland on Sunday rejected Donald Trump's offer to send a naval hospital ship to the Arctic island coveted by the US leader.

Pictured: 21 Nov 2025 – View of the 24 F-35B Jets embarked onboard the Flight Deck of HMS Prince of Wales. As part of the United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group Full Operating Capability, the largest fifth-generation Carrier Air Wing has ever been embarked on HMS Prince of Wales. 24 F-35B Jets on deck, in support of NATO on NEPTUNE STRIKE 25-4. This proves NATO’s willingness and readiness to act in support of allied nations’ peace and security. Italian F-35Bs have been on board HMS Prince of Wales for NEPTUNE STRIKE, an enhanced vigilance activity, as part of Operation HIGHMAST, proving interoperability and interchangeability between the two nations. The Joint Carrier Air Wing has conducted NEPTUNE STRIKE, showcasing the UK and Italian ability and willingness to work together on behalf of NATO in the Mediterranean and beyond. Led by the UK flagship HMS Prince of Wales and involving a dozen nations, the eight-month mission – known as Operation HIGHMAST – is reaching its final stages. After operations across the Indo-Pacific over the last five months, the task group has returned to the Mediterranean for further multinational exercises before making its homeward voyage. The goal of Operation HIGHMAST is to reaffirm the UK’s commitment to the security of the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific region, demonstrate collective resolve with our allies and showcase British trade and industry. Over the course of the deployment, upwards of 4,500 British military personnel have been involved, including nearly 600 RAF and 900 soldiers alongside 2,500 Royal Navy sailors and Royal Marines.

Staff Writer With AFPFebruary 15, 2026

UK to Deploy Aircraft Carrier Group to Arctic This Year: PM

Britain will deploy its aircraft carrier group to the North Atlantic this year in a "powerful show of force" against Russian threats in the Arctic, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Saturday.

Jodesz GavilanFebruary 12, 2026

US Coast Guard Taps Davie Defense for Five Arctic Security Cutters

Davie Defense has secured a contract to build five new Arctic Security Cutters for the US Coast Guard.

Pictured: Troops from 45 Commando during a troop insertion exercise. Royal Marines insert by Helicopter during exercise in Norway. A pair of Merlin Mk4 Helicopters from 845 Naval Air Squadron inserted Royal Marine troops from 45 Commando based at Camp Viking into an exercise area in the Mauken mountain range of Norway during Operation Clockwork 25. The troop insertion was part of Exercise Reindeer 1. The UK has conducted cold-weather training in Norway for over 50 years and is a committed and capable pa

Staff Writer With AFPFebruary 12, 2026

NATO Launches ‘Arctic Sentry’ Mission After Greenland Crisis

NATO on Wednesday said it had launched a new mission to bolster security in the Arctic, in a move to assuage US President Donald Trump after he backed off claims on Greenland.

Pictured are 40 Commando Royal Marines arriving at Bardufoss, Norway by Royal Air Force Voyager Airbus KC2 (A330). Royal Marines have deployed to the frozen Arctic for many years, to conduct their annual cold weather training. The Commandos are in the North of Norway learning to be winter warriors conducting Arctic survival training in bitterly cold temperatures. The conditions are harsh around 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle, where the sun barely rises and temperatures plummet to below -30C. The elite Royal Marines must be prepared to deploy anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice. That includes the most extreme climates known to man, including Arctic, jungle, and desert.

Staff Writer With AFPFebruary 11, 2026

UK to Double Troops in Norway to Defend Against ‘Rising’ Russian Threat

Britain announced Wednesday it will boost its troops stationed in Norway and play a "vital" role in a NATO Arctic mission in face of "rising Russian threat."

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