US Marines Conduct Unprecedented Exercise in the Arctic
The US Marines recently participated in an unprecedented operation in the Arctic, a mission that marks a significant step in NATO's focus on the region. The exercise, named Operation Atlantic City, took place on the Norwegian island of Jan Mayen from August 26 to September 4, 2025, involving Norwegian and British troops. This event represents the first time Marines have operated on Jan Mayen, a remote and strategically crucial island, and marks a return of US military activity in the area after a period of inactivity.
Quick Answer
Operation Atlantic City 2025 was a NATO joint exercise on the island of Jan Mayen, aimed at testing the ability to rapidly deploy military assets in remote and austere locations. The mission involved US Marines, Norwegian, and British troops, with a focus on defending key maritime terrains, integrating multinational sensors, and joint command and control capabilities.
An Exercise with Strategic Objectives
The operation's main objective was to develop expeditionary base advancement capabilities and assess the participants' ability to conduct joint fire missions, provide maritime domain awareness, and deny adversaries the use of nearby maritime routes. This was made possible by integrating multinational sensors, command and control nodes, and precision fires into a unified and joint kill web.
A key element of the exercise was the use of advanced weapon systems. A containerized launch system from the US Navy, containing anti-air and anti-submarine missiles, was transported to Trondheim, Norway, via a US Air Force C-17 strategic transport aircraft. This demonstrated the ability to rapidly project joint logistics and interoperable communication assets.
Defending Key Maritime Terrains
Jan Mayen, a mountainous island partially covered by glaciers and with an active volcano, is a strategic outpost in waters vital to NATO. The island, located 620 miles from mainland Norway, hosts only a few members of the Norwegian military personnel and the staff of the Norwegian Meteorological Institute. However, its position is crucial for the security of international maritime routes and transatlantic supply routes.
The exercise included the transport of vehicles and equipment, including US joint light tactical vehicles, a Norwegian national maneuverable air defense system, and an Australian Strikemaster anti-submarine missile system operated by the Marines. These vehicles were used to test the troops' ability to position and protect assets in rugged and contested territory, as well as to transmit targeting data and communications as part of a resilient kill web.
NATO's Response to the Russian Threat
The exercise reflects NATO's strategic shift towards the Arctic, a region where the alliance is concerned about Russia's ability to project power and disrupt critical infrastructure. The interest in Jan Mayen indicates a more northern focus, closer to the Barents Sea, a "bastion" from which Russian submarines could potentially strike targets in Europe with conventional and nuclear missiles.
Norway, a leader in NATO's response to the Russian threat, is investing in new coastal ships designed for the Arctic, frigates, and submarines. These assets, along with the already operational P-8 patrol aircraft, are crucial for the "cat-and-mouse game" with Russian submarines. Norway is also enhancing its military presence on Jan Mayen, with plans to improve connectivity with mainland Norway through an undersea cable project.
Implications for Global Security
The exercise also underscored the importance of ensuring that adversaries understand that key maritime terrains cannot be ignored. This message is similar to that of the Marines' exercises with allies in the western Pacific, where the goal is to monitor and control maritime routes and airspace around Taiwan.
The exercise took place in parallel with Northern Viking, another NATO exercise focused on defending Iceland and the maritime routes between Greenland, Iceland, and the United Kingdom, known as the GIUK Gap. This strategic strait, used during the Cold War to track Soviet submarines, has regained relevance due to Russia's investments in its submarine fleet.
The Norwegian Perspective
Major General Øivind Gunnerud, head of the Royal Norwegian Air Force, emphasized the importance of Russia as a primary military factor in NATO's planning for the High North. Norway is increasing its military presence on Jan Mayen, transforming the island from a meteorological outpost to a crucial site for Norwegian security activities.
Russia maintains significant strategic capabilities near Norway, including the powerful Northern Fleet, long-range aviation forces, and advanced missile and aircraft systems. NATO is also concerned about Moscow's ability to disrupt critical infrastructure, particularly undersea data cables in the Arctic and North Atlantic.
The Operation Atlantic City 2025 exercise represents a significant step in NATO's focus on the Arctic and underscores the importance of ensuring the security of international maritime routes and transatlantic supply routes. With the increase in Russian military activity and Chinese interest in the region, the Arctic is becoming an increasingly important strategic theater for global security.
The Arctic as an Emerging Strategic Theater
The Operation Atlantic City exercise takes on even greater importance when viewed in the broader context of geopolitical competition in the Arctic. The region, traditionally considered an area of international cooperation, is rapidly becoming a strategic theater where geopolitical and military interests clash. According to the Arctic Circle, the average temperature in the region is increasing nearly three times faster than the global average, with significant consequences for navigation and access to resources.
The strategic value of the Arctic is highlighted by the fact that about 25% of the world's undiscovered petroleum and gas reserves are located in the region, according to the US Geological Survey. This has attracted the attention not only of NATO and Russia but also of actors such as China and Canada. China, in particular, has declared itself an "almost Arctic state" and has heavily invested in infrastructure and research in the region.
Implications for the Security of Critical Infrastructure
An often-overlooked aspect of military exercises in the Arctic concerns the protection of critical infrastructure, particularly undersea cables that carry 95% of global internet traffic. According to an Atlantic Council report, there are approximately 430 undersea cables connecting continents, many of which pass through the Arctic and North Atlantic.
The vulnerability of these cables has been highlighted by recent studies indicating that they could be easily damaged by attacks or accidents. The defense of these infrastructures has become a priority for NATO, which has launched initiatives such as Northern Sentry to monitor and protect these digital arteries. This concern is also shared by experts in NIS2 compliance, who emphasize the importance of ensuring the resilience of critical infrastructures.
The Challenge of Military Logistics in Extreme Conditions
One of the most significant challenges faced during Operation Atlantic City was military logistics in extreme conditions. The island of Jan Mayen, with its harsh climate and rugged terrain, represents a hostile environment for military operations. According to a Congressional Research Service report, military operations in the Arctic require careful planning and significant resources to ensure the sustenance of troops.
The use of light tactical vehicles and containerized launch systems demonstrated NATO's ability to project power in remote areas. However, experts in identity access management emphasize that managing identities and authorizations in isolated environments is a significant challenge. The need to ensure secure access to resources and information is crucial for the success of military operations.
Future Prospects for Arctic Security
Looking ahead, it is likely that the Arctic will continue to be an area of growing interest for military powers. According to a report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Russia is heavily investing in the modernization of its Northern Fleet and ballistic missile systems. These developments suggest that the region could become a hotspot for strategic competition.
For the United States and its allies, the Operation Atlantic City exercise represents an important step towards preparing for potential crisis scenarios. The ability to operate in extreme conditions and integrate advanced weapon and communication systems is essential for maintaining the security of maritime routes and transatlantic supply routes.
A Delicate Balance Between Cooperation and Competition
The Operation Atlantic City 2025 exercise underscores the strategic importance of the Arctic and the need for NATO to adapt to new security challenges. As the region continues to attract the attention of global powers, the ability to operate in extreme conditions and protect critical infrastructures becomes increasingly crucial. For security and defense professionals, this means investing in advanced technologies and collaborating with allies to ensure the stability of the region.
In an evolving geopolitical context, the Arctic represents a delicate balance between cooperation and competition. NATO's ability to adapt to these challenges will largely determine the security and stability of the region in the years to come. To delve deeper into the strategic implications of the Arctic, consult our guide on NATO strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the strategic importance of the island of Jan Mayen?
Jan Mayen is a strategic outpost in waters vital to NATO, crucial for the security of international maritime routes and transatlantic supply routes. Its position makes it a key point for monitoring and defending critical infrastructures in the Arctic region.
How does climate change affect military operations in the Arctic?
Climate change is making the Arctic more accessible, opening new maritime routes and facilitating access to resources. However, the extreme conditions and hostile environment require careful planning and significant resources to ensure the success of military operations.
What are the main threats to the security of critical infrastructures in the Arctic?
The main threats include cyberattacks, sabotage, and accidents that could damage undersea cables and other critical infrastructures. The protection of these infrastructures has become a priority for NATO and other international actors.
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