Arctic Fortress: US Marines, F-35s & NATO's Nordic Response 24 (Historic Swedish Landing!)

In the stark, frozen landscape of the Arctic, Exercise Nordic Response 24 in March 2024 forged a powerful alliance, showcasing NATO's and partner nations' military might. This exercise, orchestrated by Norway and a key part of NATO's Steadfast Defender 2024, brought together roughly 20,000 personnel from 13 nations, with the U.S. Marine Corps playing a critical role. The deployment of VMGR-252 and VMFA-542 highlighted vital operational capabilities, culminating in a landmark moment: the first-ever landing of a U.S. F-35B Lightning II in Sweden, marking a new chapter in Arctic defense cooperation.

Nordic Response 24 served as a crucial platform to refine military skills and foster seamless interoperability in high-intensity warfighting scenarios under extreme Arctic conditions. The exercise rigorously tested a wide range of military activities, from the rapid deployment of allied reinforcements to complex combined joint operations and maritime logistics. This biennial event, conducted across Northern Norway, Sweden, and Finland, underscored NATO's unwavering commitment to collective security and its ability to operate effectively in the strategically vital Arctic region.

The U.S. Marine Corps' contribution, particularly the deployment of VMGR-252, based at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, was pivotal. This squadron, known as "Otis," plays a critical role in supporting Fleet Marine Force air operations through aerial refueling and assault air transport. During Nordic Response 24, VMGR-252's KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft were instrumental in refueling VMFA-542's F-35B Lightning II jets using aviation-delivered ground refueling (ADGR) at Kallax Air Base in Lulea, Sweden. This ADGR demonstration showcased the Expeditionary Advanced-Base Operations (EABO) concept, leveraging host-nation support. Furthermore, VMGR-252 extended its support to allied forces by conducting ADGR with Finnish Air Force F/A-18 Hornets in Norway, demonstrating the high level of interoperability achieved during the exercise.

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 542, operating the cutting-edge F-35B Lightning II jets, participated in the exercise, having recently achieved full operational capability. The squadron engaged in near-peer adversary training, demonstrating its advanced capabilities in anti-air warfare, active air defense, and precision strike operations. A historic moment occurred on March 13, 2024, when a U.S. F-35B Lightning II jet from VMFA-542 became the first American F-35 to land in Sweden at Kallax Air Base. This event symbolized the deepening defense relationship between the United States and Sweden and reinforced enhanced interoperability within the strategically important Arctic region.