PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. — U.S. Special Operations Command North (SOCNORTH) has brought its special operations activities in Greenland under a unified framework called Operation Apex Indigo. Conducted with the Kingdom of Denmark and the Government of Greenland, the operation focuses on cold-weather survival, mobility across remote terrain and joint operations with NATO Arctic allies.
The first mission under Operation Apex Indigo was conducted in August 2026, following several years of U.S. special operations training in Greenland. The new framework will provide a structure for recurring bilateral and multinational exercises in the Arctic.
Earlier Arctic Training
SOCNORTH's activities in Greenland developed through a series of exercises, including Arctic Edge 23, Arctic Edge 24 and Arctic Edge 26. Arctic Edge 24 involved Danish, Norwegian and British forces, while Arctic Edge 26 continued joint Arctic training before the launch of Operation Apex Indigo.
“Our relationship with the Kingdom of Denmark is both enduring and essential to Arctic security,” said U.S. Army Col. Matthew Tucker, SOCNORTH commander. “Operation Apex Indigo strengthens our ability to work alongside Danish and Greenlandic partners, improve readiness in one of the world’s most demanding environments, and support collective deterrence across the Arctic.”
August Mission in Greenland
During the first Apex Indigo mission, Green Berets from the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) trained with Danish Special Operations Forces from the SIRIUS unit around Camp Raven on the Greenland ice sheet.
The training included skiing across the ice, basic survival training, search and rescue, a simulated medical evacuation and communications activities. The teams also practiced high-frequency radio operations from peaks near Kangerlussuaq.
The training was designed to improve the ability of small teams to move, communicate and operate in remote Arctic conditions.
LC-130H Aircraft Support
The operation was supported by LC-130H “Skibird” aircraft operated by the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing.
The ski-equipped aircraft can land on snow and ice, allowing personnel and equipment to be transported to and recovered from remote areas without conventional runways.
Focus on Arctic Interoperability
SOCNORTH relies on small, specialized teams trained for austere polar environments. Their work with Danish and Greenlandic partners focuses on operational readiness, mobility and interoperability.
“Operating in Greenland alongside our Danish and Greenlandic partners demands more than simply enduring the environment,” Tucker said. “It requires specialized skills, disciplined preparation, and the interoperability needed to operate effectively in austere Arctic conditions.”
A Green Beret detachment commander from the 10th Special Forces Group also highlighted the Arctic experience of Danish Special Operations Forces, saying it is important to combined training and interoperability.
Low-Impact Operations
SOCNORTH is also taking into account Greenland's sensitive environment and remote civilian communities. The command says its operations favor small teams with a deliberate, low-impact footprint.
“Greenland’s vast distances and demanding conditions favor small, specialized teams that can operate with a deliberate, low-impact footprint,” Tucker said.
SOCNORTH coordinates with its partners to limit disruption to local communities and the environment while maintaining operational readiness.
Recurring Training Under Apex Indigo
Operation Apex Indigo will provide a permanent framework for recurring bilateral and multinational training with Danish, Greenlandic and other NATO Arctic partners.
The effort is intended to improve readiness, mobility, interoperability and collective deterrence while helping special operations teams operate effectively in extreme Arctic conditions.
The official announcement of the new framework was released by U.S. Northern Command on October 2, 2026.
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