In one of the coldest and most isolated areas of the U.S., American military forces are actively honing their capabilities across land, air, and sea. They’re moving rocket systems into western Alaska, deploying F-35s and F-16s against simulated threats, and coordinating U.S. and Canadian naval operations in the Bering Sea.
These maneuvers are part of a long-term military initiative known as Tundra Merlin, which aims to demonstrate that, even in Alaska’s challenging Arctic environment, U.S. and allied forces can quickly mobilize combat readiness to safeguard the northern routes to the homeland.
This display of military might comes in response to a shifting security landscape influenced by increased activities from Russia and China.
Lt. Gen. Robert Davis, leader of Alaskan Command, remarked that two primary factors have altered the situation. “First, the melting sea ice has made the Arctic more accessible, leading to heightened commercial and military undertakings, especially during warmer months,” he noted. “Secondly, countries like China and Russia are enhancing their military capabilities, keen to use them in Arctic regions.”
The Pentagon concurs, having warned in its 2024 Arctic Strategy that growing collaboration between Russia and China could jeopardize stability in the region. Thus, there is an urgent call for an increased American presence and readiness in these newly accessible areas. Defense officials acknowledge that forces must train not just in extreme conditions but also be equipped to endure them.
Alaska’s geography underscores its significance. The state lies at a crucial juncture between the Arctic and the Pacific, serving as a key defense hub and a launch point for projecting American military presence into the Indo-Pacific and beyond. The distances involved are noteworthy—Russia and the U.S. are separated by just about 55 miles at one of their closest points, with the tiny Diomede Islands merely 2.5 miles apart.
Alaska boasts major airbases, missile-defense systems, and a significant military workforce, with over 22,000 active-duty personnel stationed there, in addition to several thousand National Guard and Reserve forces. Officials from the Air Force highlight its strategic role as a nexus for operations in both the Arctic and the Pacific, giving U.S. forces a wide operational range.
Davis explained that the U.S. can project power from Alaska, reaching virtually any part of the Northern Hemisphere within roughly ten hours of flight time.
Tundra Merlin aims to transform that geographic edge into a practical combat advantage. According to Davis, the operation encompasses various military strategies, akin to “plays in a playbook,” prepared to deter possible aggressors or respond effectively to threats.
One recently notable exercise involved U.S. and Canadian forces swiftly deploying a U.S. Army HIMARS rocket system and an AN/TPQ-53 radar system to western Alaska via a Canadian Air Force C-17. They successfully integrated ground units with American F-35s and F-16s operating overhead, simulating a coordinated response to a ground target about 135 miles out while F-16s intercepted incoming threats amid the operation.
This mission showcased not just the functioning of individual systems but the speed with which forces can be mobilized and interconnected in Alaska—a crucial capability for both defending the state and countering adversaries if necessary.
In a separate exercise from September, U.S. and Canadian forces conducted a maritime strike scenario about 100 nautical miles north of Dutch Harbor, utilizing vessels from the Coast Guard and the Royal Canadian Navy and integrating U.S. Air Force aircraft for aerial support. They practiced engaging multiple simulated maritime targets, testing the efficiency of communication and teamwork across various platforms.
Reflecting on that day, Davis noted that the high degree of cooperation among units that don’t regularly operate in conjunction was particularly impressive. However, executing such operations is complicated by the fierce Arctic environment itself.
Extreme cold can hinder both equipment and personnel, while the vast distances and limited infrastructure present significant logistical challenges. The Pentagon’s Arctic Strategy emphasizes these factors, underscoring the necessity of maintaining infrastructure to support military operations in the region.
Davis pointed out that equipment deployed in Alaska must be specially prepared for the severe cold. It requires conditioning and appropriate outfitting for prolonged operation in frigid temperatures. Troops also need specialized training and gear to prevent injuries and maintain effectiveness in Arctic conditions.
This urgency comes as Russia and China continue to expand their operational capabilities nearby. Notably, in July 2024, NORAD intercepted Russian and Chinese bombers flying together in the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone—a first for the cooperative flight under NORAD’s watch. Though the aircraft remained in international airspace and posed no immediate threat, it underscored the type of collaboration U.S. defense strategists are observing.
For the time being, Davis feels Alaska is well-prepared to handle expected military challenges. “We’re positioned quite well against the threats we anticipate in the near future,” he said. However, should there be signs of heightened tensions, Alaskan Command would likely seek additional resources.
Ultimately, Tundra Merlin serves to validate that, in a region defined by significant distances, harsh weather, and increased Russian and Chinese activity, the United States can effectively mobilize forces across Alaska, linking them through land, sea, and air to ensure combat readiness before any potential threat arises.
