# USNORTHCOM Conducts Joint Maritime Strike Exercise in Alaska

The U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), in coordination with Alaskan Command (ALCOM) and Canadian military forces, conducted Operation TUNDRA MERLIN, a joint maritime strike exercise in the Bering Sea from September 18-22, 2026. This multinational operation involved integrated air and maritime assets, including aircraft, surface ships, and submarines, to enhance homeland defense capabilities in the Alaskan theater. The exercise demonstrated interoperability and command and control coordination among U.S. and Canadian forces, underscoring the strategic importance of the Arctic and northern maritime regions for defense readiness.

- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals should note the emphasis on integrated air and maritime systems interoperability, which may drive future requirements for advanced command and control technologies, maritime strike capabilities, and joint operational platforms.
- The involvement of multiple federal and international military entities indicates potential contracting opportunities related to multinational defense exercises and Arctic operational support.
- Companies specializing in maritime defense systems, communications, and joint command infrastructure may find increased demand aligned with evolving homeland defense priorities in Alaska and the broader Arctic region.
- This exercise highlights the strategic focus on northern defense, suggesting procurement planning should consider capabilities suited for extreme environments and multinational coordination.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** September 23, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM)
- Alaskan Command (ALCOM)
- Royal Canadian Air Force
- Royal Canadian Navy
- U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)

### Sources
- [
	U.S., Canadian Forces Conduct Maritime Strike Scenario in Bering Sea > U.S. Northern Command > Press Releases
](https://www.northcom.mil/Newsroom/Press-Releases/Article/4609956/us-canadian-forces-conduct-maritime-strike-scenario-in-bering-sea/) - Northcom