NORAD, USNORTHCOM kick off Operation NOBLE DEFENDER

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. - North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command forces will conduct maneuvers Aug. 15-Sept. 10, 2023, as part of Operation NOBLE DEFENDER, a long-planned, bi-national operation in Alaska. The operation will reinforce the capability of both American and Canadian forces in detecting, deterring, and safeguarding against potential threats to North America and the Arctic Region, all while operating in the most challenging conditions.

Historically, OND activities involve primarily NORAD air assets, to include jet fighters, airborne early warning and tanker aircraft. This iteration of OND includes forces from the U.S. Air Force, Army, Marines and Navy as well as Royal Canadian Armed Forces personnel.

In addition, special operations forces will land in austere locations to defend critical infrastructure and strengthen their understanding of activity in the region.

During this operation, the public may notice an increase in military presence near Shemya, Attu and St. Lawrence Island, Alaska, to include Special Operations Command North forces assigned Special Operations Forces, conventional military forces, and air components.

OND is a recurring NORAD air defense operation that takes place throughout the year. It demonstrates the command's capability to maintain mission readiness in various environments and to preserve capacity for follow-on operations.

NORAD is the world's only bi-national command charged with aerospace warning, aerospace control and maritime waring for the United States and Canada. The command employs a layered defense network of satellites, ground-based and airborne radars, and fighter aircraft in the defense of two nations.

USNORTHCOM, created in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorists attack on the United States, plans, organizes and executes homeland defense, civil support and theater security and cooperation missions to defend and secure the nation and its interests.

Special Operations Command North, the USNORTHCOM component of SOCOM, enhances the command and control of special operations forces throughout the USNORTHCOM area of responsibility.

The Alaskan NORAD Region provides an ongoing capability to detect, validate, and warn of any aircraft and/or cruise missile threat in its area of operations that could threaten North American security.

The Canadian NORAD Region provides aerospace surveillance, identification, control and warning for the defense of North America.

U.S. Special Operations Command develops and employs special operations forces to conduct global special operations and activities as part of the Joint Force.

U.S. Naval Forces Northern Command, the maritime component of USNORTHCOM, provides maritime forces prepared to conduct homeland defense, civil support, and theater security cooperation activities.

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NOTE TO EDITORS: For further information, please contact NORAD Public Affairs at (719) 554-6889 or email us at [email protected].

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