Northcom Ends Arctic Edge 25 in Alaska

Arctic Edge 25 Demonstrates US Military Strength

September 6, 2025

Northcom Concludes Arctic Edge 25

Sept. 5, 2025 | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Northern Command (Northcom) has officially wrapped up Arctic Edge 25 (AE25), a large-scale, multidomain training exercise conducted across Alaska from Aug. 1–31. The operation tested readiness, strengthened cooperation, and advanced U.S. and allied capabilities in the Arctic region.

Broad Participation

The exercise brought together forces from Northcom, First Air Force, Army North, Naval Forces Northern Command, Marine Forces Northern Command, Special Operations Command North, and Alaska Command.

In addition, international partners such as the United Kingdom and Denmark joined the drills, alongside U.S. interagency partners including the Alaska National Guard, FBI, Coast Guard, NOAA, Alaska state and local law enforcement, and Alaska Native communities.

Key Training Events

AE25 featured several complex scenarios that highlighted the challenges of Arctic operations.

  • A joint explosive ordnance disposal team carried out mine clearance at Port Mackenzie and Cook Inlet, working under extreme tides, strong currents, and limited visibility. The mission provided vital data for future operations. The team also recovered and analyzed a simulated foreign unmanned underwater vehicle.

  • A Marine Corps and Coast Guard team conducted a simulated raid to seize Port Mackenzie, restoring access to the port. Meanwhile, the Army’s 3rd Transportation Brigade reopened the facility using austere transit operations.

  • Additional highlights included High Mobility Artillery Rocket System rapid insertion missions, live-fire exercises, integrated air and missile defense drills, and maritime security operations in the Bering Sea.

Strategic Value

Arctic Edge also ran alongside Indo-Pacific Command’s Northern Edge 25, enabling cross-command coordination and a shared operational picture. According to officials, these exercises offered valuable training while reinforcing U.S. capability to operate in the Arctic’s demanding environment.

Northcom leaders emphasized that AE25 demonstrated the ability of U.S. and partner forces to assure allies, deter threats, and defend North America. Lessons learned from the exercise will shape future missions and strengthen long-term Arctic readiness.