Hundreds of American and Scandinavian commandos are training in the High North for a potential conflict with Russia.
NATO is currently hosting Exercise Adamant Serpent 26 in Scandinavia with the goal of preparing its special operations units to defeat a Russian invasion.
Nearly 400 American, Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish commandos are participating in this year’s version of the exercise that takes place across Norway and Sweden until the end of October. This is the fifth iteration of the exercise, which has been going on since 2021.
“Adapting to modern warfare requires a united front,” Army Lieutenant General Richard Angle, the commander of U.S. Special Operations Command Europe, said in a press release. “Exercise Adamant Serpent demonstrates the robust partnership between the U.S. and our NATO Allies as we collaborate to address challenges in the High North.”
The overall goal of the exercise is to reinforce the ability of NATO special operations units to rapidly deploy and operate as a unified, multinational force in arctic and subarctic environments.
“Our Special Operations Forces are a key enabler. They will provide critical capabilities that address complex security challenges in response to adversarial aggression,” Angle added.
Not many details were released on what skillsets Adamant Serpent 26 will test, but last year’s iteration tested infiltrations and exfiltrations to and from different environments, casualty evacuations, and priority resupplying, among others.
Special operations forces are trained and equipped to operate in small numbers, often behind enemy lines. The geography of Scandinavia and the High North is ideal for such operations.
“Adamant Serpent is a very strategic exercise and with current global security dynamics, this gives a realistic backdrop,” Norwegian Air Force Brigadier General Thomas stated.
“The interoperability with U.S. and Allied forces, combined with air support, is important to secure the High North. It’s ideal for training in high-readiness, joint-forces operations. We are pleased to have U.S. forces at Rygge Air Base during the exercise and will provide good support and hospitality,” the Norwegian senior officer added.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has created ripples across Europe, testing the unity of NATO. Despite any waves, the transatlantic alliance remains united and ready to counter any kinetic Russian action against Europe.
Wars are often won in peace. The side that is better trained and prepared has increased chances to prevail in actual conflict, particularly if that conflict is short in duration.
“Hosting exercises such as these is important for us for many reasons,” Lieutenant General Carl-Johan Edström, chief of the Swedish Defense Staff, said about Adamant Serpent. “It enhances our operational effect, and it shows our shared commitment to the security of the Baltic Sea Region and the High North.”
Historically, in the event of a conflict with Russia (or the Soviet Union in the past), U.S. strategy in Europe has relied on a joint response. Gone are the days when the U.S. military stationed scores of armor and infantry divisions on the continent ready to pounce on Russian mechanized columns.
Today, NATO is fully integrated, and any kinetic response would be multi-faceted and come from the entirety of the transatlantic alliance. Exercises like Adamant Serpent serve to increase the interoperability between NATO forces and ensure that if and when the time comes, the alliance’s forces are ready to work together under a unified command.
Feature Image: Swedish K3 Rangers conduct an ambush alongside Green Berets with U.S. Army 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) during Adamant Serpent 26 in Alvdalen, Sweden, Oct. 25, 2025. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Reece Heck)
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