U.S. Air Force E-3 Sentry and F-35A Lightning II aircraft operated over the Bering Sea during Operation TUNDRA MERLIN on September 21, 2026, combining command and control, fifth-generation combat power and aerial refueling. According to U.S. Northern Command, the U.S.-Canadian operation demonstrated the ability to detect threats and sustain coordinated combat operations across Alaska’s northern approaches. Read Full Defense News At This Link.
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U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II fighters, an E-3 Sentry and KC-135 refueling support joined U.S. and Canadian maritime forces over the Bering Sea during Operation TUNDRA MERLIN, demonstrating integrated airpower, command and control, and long-range homeland defense capabilities (Picture Source: U.S. Air Force)