This week, we explore NATO’s Arctic fighting force through:

• The Big Picture: The Summit & the Arctic
• From the Field: Ramstein Flag
• From the Diplomatic Desk: Sweden’s New Arctic Strategy

A regionally centered homeland missile defense posture remains an important component of U.S. homeland defense, where evolving threats create opportunities to expand complementary capabilities across a broader continental architecture. These threats mean that what was once a relatively narrow problem of limited, predictable long-range ballistic attacks has now broadened into one that includes maneuvering hypersonic glide vehicles, low-flying land-attack cruise missiles, directional ballistic reentry systems, and other delivery concepts that compress warning time and erode fixed northern engagement geometry.

The 3rd Asian Conference on Permafrost (ACOP) 2026, hosted by the Mongolian Academy of Sciences and the Mongolian Permafrost Association, will focus on the impacts of permafrost thaw across Asia, where warming temperatures are causing degradation that contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, water resource changes, and risks to infrastructure. The conference will bring together researchers, engineers, policymakers, and students to share research and practical approaches related to permafrost dynamics, climate interactions, infrastructure resilience, and sustainable development in cold regions through presentations, panels, and workshops.

This gathering brings together military leaders, government officials, NATO representatives, researchers, and industry stakeholders to examine emerging security challenges and strategic developments in the Arctic. Discussions focus on Arctic sovereignty, defense cooperation, cold-weather operational readiness, critical infrastructure, hybrid threats, and the growing geopolitical importance of the region as competition intensifies among global powers. The program also explores multi-domain operations, technological innovation, interoperability among allied nations, and the evolving role of the Arctic in broader national and international security strategy.

The Arctic Energy Summit is an international forum that brings together government officials, utilities, industry leaders, researchers, and economic development professionals to discuss energy security, infrastructure, emerging technologies, investment, and economic growth across Arctic and northern regions. The conference focuses on practical solutions for reliable, affordable, and resilient energy systems while fostering collaboration on topics such as critical minerals, transportation, innovation, workforce development, and regional competitiveness.

Learn about the INSTAAR measurement program & tour the radiocarbon & stable isotope labs. This is part of Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research’s (INSTAAR) 75th Anniversary seminars.

The Anchorage Security and Defense Dialogue (ASDD), hosted by the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies, brings together military leaders, government officials, policymakers, researchers, industry representatives, and international partners to discuss security issues affecting the Arctic. The dialogue focuses on topics such as defense capabilities, homeland security, military readiness, technology, infrastructure, and cooperation among Arctic nations and allies. Through presentations, panel discussions, and working sessions, participants share information, discuss emerging challenges, and identify opportunities for coordination on Arctic security and defense priorities.

Early registration for ASDD 2026 will open in June, and it is by invitation only. This event is not open to the media.  Due to the size constraints of the venue, early registration is encouraged. If you would like more information, please contact us at TSC-Engagements@groups.af.mil.

Hosted by the Sitka Sound Science Center, Sitka WhaleFest brings together scientists, educators, artists, conservation leaders, and community members to explore marine ecosystems, ocean conservation, and coastal culture through public presentations, wildlife experiences, educational programming, and community events focused on the North Pacific environment.

SAVE THE DATE! The Joint (AC)3 - MOSAiC Conference 2027 (JAMC27) offers a forum for open, multi-disciplinary scientific exchange on the overarching theme of "Drivers and Impacts of a Changing Arctic." The international polar research community is invited to present and discuss scientific results achieved over the past decade, including findings from (AC)3, MOSAiC, and other Arctic research activities. Conference goals are to synthesize recent advances, inform future research actions, and enhance societal uptake of research outcomes. Abstract submission will open in October 2026.

Hosted by the Arctic Council as part of the Kingdom of Denmark’s Chairship program, the Arctic Biodiversity Summit will bring together scientists, policymakers, Indigenous Peoples, youth leaders, and other Arctic stakeholders to strengthen collaboration on biodiversity conservation across the Arctic region. The summit is intended to serve as a strategic platform for advancing knowledge exchange, supporting sustainable development, and helping transform scientific and Indigenous knowledge into action-oriented policy and conservation efforts focused on protecting Arctic ecosystems and biodiversity for future generations.