The Arctic Challenge Exercise (ACE), a biannual exercise taking place in host nations Norway, Finland and Sweden, is set to kick off on May 29. With approximately 150 aircraft and 3,000 personnel from 14 countries participating, ACE will take place primarily over the northern regions of the host countries, with Northern Norway's Helgeland coast serving as a key training area. 

Since its inception in 2013, ACE has attracted international interest, and this year is no exception. Host countries Norway, Finland, and Sweden, Denmark will be joined in the exercise by the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Italy. NATO will contribute aircraft equipped with the Airborne Warning and Control System. 

What sets this year's ACE apart is the prominent role of the F-35, marking the aircraft’s first major exercise in a European context. Fifth-generation fighters from Norway, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Italy will participate. Additionally, it will be the first ACE edition featuring Finland as a NATO member, highlighting the increasing collaboration within the alliance. 

The exercise aims to enhance the participants' ability to carry out combat tasks in large multinational air operations safely and effectively. It also fosters the development of aerial combat methods and tactics among different types of fighter jets, including the F-35, F-16, JAS Gripen, and F/A-18 Hornet.