NATO launched its biennial Cold Response 2026 drills on March 9, placing unprecedented emphasis on civilian preparedness alongside military operations. The exercise, running until March 19, takes place across northern Norway and Finland and involves some 25,000 troops from 14 countries, including the U.S. and Denmark.
The drills are part of the broader Arctic Sentry initiative, aimed at strengthening NATO’s presence in the European Arctic and deterring potential threats from Russia and China. This year’s exercises come amid heightened tensions following U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial push to “acquire” Greenland, a move opposed by both Denmark and Greenland’s governments.
Civilian Preparedness Highlighted
For the first time, Cold Response emphasizes how civilians, businesses, and public institutions can support military operations. Norway has declared 2026 the year of “total defense,” underlining the importance of societal functions remaining operational during crises.
Major-General Lars Lervik explained that civilian sectors, especially healthcare, are critical in supporting military efforts. “This is also an opportunity to rehearse specifically where civilians can give direct support to the military effort, for instance with the health service treating a higher number of injured soldiers, Norwegian or from allied forces, than usual,” he said.
On Thursday, a scenario will test hospitals in northern Norway to handle a surge of casualties hypothetically transported from a frontline in Finland, reinforcing the civilian-military integration central to Cold Response 2026.
Adjustments Amid Global Military Commitments
Ahead of the drills, the U.S. military withdrew one squadron of F-35 fighter jets, though officials did not confirm whether ongoing operations in the Middle East influenced the decision. A spokesperson for U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe said dynamic reallocation of forces is standard given global commitments.
