As winter tightens its grip on the Arctic, the Canadian Army is preparing to test its mettle alongside military forces from the United States and Finland. From February 17 to 28, a contingent of 40 soldiers from the 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (2 CMBG) will join their international allies in Exercise ARCTIC FORGE 25, a large-scale training operation in Sodankylä, Finland. The exercise aims to enhance collaboration and operational effectiveness in extreme cold-weather conditions.

“Interoperability with our Arctic allies provides strategic advantage to Canada and the Alliance. Exercise ARCTIC FORGE 25 offers a valuable opportunity to share expertise in warfighting, mobility, and logistics amongst seasoned Arctic operators. Our participation in this exercise underscores our commitment to strategic deterrence and the collective defence of NATO’s Northern Flank,” explained Lieutenant-General Michael C. Wright, Commander Canadian Army.

Before reaching Finland, the Canadian soldiers will first integrate with troops from the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain and 11th Airborne Divisions at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. Together, they will then embark on an airlift mission, facilitated by the U.S. Air Force, traversing the Arctic and crossing the North Pole before arriving in Finland. Once on the ground, Canadian and U.S. forces will team up with Finland’s elite Jaeger Brigade to engage in rigorous field training and cold-weather warfare drills.

“Exercise ARCTIC FORGE 25 is a great opportunity for our soldiers to meet their allied counterparts and exercise their skills to thrive, fight, and win in Arctic conditions. Our soldiers have the knowledge and experience, but to maintain our cold-weather excellence we need to embrace the Arctic environment,” said Colonel Kristopher M. Reeves, Commander 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group.

Exercise ARCTIC FORGE 25 is designed to bolster the combat readiness of NATO’s northern allies, reinforcing rapid deployment strategies to the alliance’s Arctic frontier. The training will also provide an opportunity for participating forces to exchange knowledge on Arctic warfare, including best practices for operating in extreme temperatures and assessing each other’s cold-weather equipment and capabilities.

This joint military endeavor underscores Canada’s commitment to strengthening its Arctic defence partnerships, ensuring that its troops remain prepared for the unique challenges posed by one of the world’s most unforgiving environments.