Air Force Mag:

Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska—The Army brought its Patriot surface-to-air missile system and short-range Avenger air defense system to Alaska for the first time to take part in the state’s largest joint force exercise, Arctic Edge, which wrapped up March 16.

The U.S. Northern Command exercise—and the inclusion of the Patriot and Avenger systems—were in the works long before Russia launched its war in Ukraine and caused tensions to skyrocket around the globe. But having the ground-based air defense systems in Alaska sends a clear message to adversaries who might consider striking the homeland.

“Having air defense forces in Alaska in cold weather times proves that we can do it,” said Army Maj. Gen. Frank M. Rice, commander of the South Carolina National Guard’s 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command.

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