The F-35 debuted in Thule, Greenland at Operation Noble Defender mid-January for two weeks with North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). The four U.S. Air Force F-35s flew into Thule from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska.  

Approximately 225 U.S. and Canadian personnel from multiple locations across both countries supported the joint operation and highlighted the first time F-35 fighter jets are operating in Greenland. Operation Noble Defender is a series of long-planned NORAD operations validating the command’s capability and readiness to defend the United States and Canada against threats from every avenue of approach and demonstrate the ability to integrate with other defense and security partners for a holistic defense of North America. 

The deployment of the F-35s showcases the agility of capabilities in support of Arctic defense with support from the Kingdom of Denmark to allow air defense operations from this location. Greenland was a Danish colony until 1953, when it was redefined as a district of Denmark. 

Noble Defender successfully demonstrates U.S. willingness to conduct operations above the Arctic Circle in even the harshest weather conditions and proves a concept of integration with key Arctic partners. These Arctic partners – namely Canada, Norway, Denmark, and Finland – are also united through the F-35 global coalition.  

F-35s Deploy to Greenland for First Time, Operate from Thule | Air & Space Forces Magazine (airandspaceforces.com)