Swedish Air Base Rangers from Blekinge Air Wing are participating in the Danish exercise series Arctic Endurance 26 in Greenland. The exercise takes place during February and March and is part of the larger cooperation Arctic Sentry.

The Air Base Rangers were recently redeployed from Sweden with transport aircraft and are training for a few weeks in the Arctic environment. The focus is on combat, movement in difficult terrain, medical care, and joint exercises with allied units, as announced by the Swedish Armed Forces (Försvarsmakten).

– We have had a close cooperation with the Danish Defence for a long time. In Greenland, we are developing the unit's capabilities in a demanding environment with a focus on combat, movement, medical care, and joint exercises with allies, says Company Commander Emil from Blekinge Air Wing (southern Sweden).

The Air Base Rangers are a specialised unit within the Swedish Armed Forces with the primary task of conducting retrieval and rescue operations (Combat Search and Rescue, CSAR). The Nordic Defence Sector (NDS) has previously reported on Sweden's participation in Arctic Sentry. Sweden has, among other things, deployed JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft to Iceland and Greenland, and the exercise also includes Swedish ranger soldiers.

According to the Company Commander, the redeployment to Greenland demonstrates the unit's ability to quickly and safely move personnel and materiel within NATO's operational area.

– The activation and redeployment with Transport Aircraft 84 Hercules show that the Air Force can move personnel and equipment safely, says Emil.

The exercise is also used to test materiel, equipment, and command systems in the Arctic climate. The Air Base Rangers have been reinforced with expertise from coastal rangers, fighter divisions, and communication experts. The experiences from the exercise will contribute to the continued development of the Air Force's capabilities.

At a later stage, Swedish ranger soldiers from the Army will also participate, according to the Swedish Armed Forces.