U.S. military conducts unexpected troop surge to Alaska

Business Insider reported the information.

This move follows joint naval drills by Russia and China in the Pacific Ocean, involving 400 ships, submarines, aircraft, and 90,000 troops.

In an exclusive interview with the outlet, Major General Joseph Hilbert, commander of the 11th Airborne Division, noted that this deployment underscores the U.S. Pacific Command’s ability to strategically and discreetly move forces and assets. He emphasized the importance of being prepared to operate effectively in the region as a ground force.

According to the media outlet, the U.S. maneuver involved a HIMARS platoon from Washington, D.C., communications equipment from Hawaii, radar for target detection, and an infantry unit from the 11th Airborne Division for security.

In total, around 130 soldiers participated in the drills.

"Bringing these forces together demonstrates to any adversary that we can deploy anywhere with little notice. We can suddenly create a dilemma," he said, "and we can do that with significant firepower, and we can do it as a joint force," Hilbert explained.

He added that the war in Ukraine has demonstrated how vital HIMARS deployment is for deterring threats.

In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin has blamed the U.S. for provoking an "arms race" and ignoring the security needs of its European and Asian partners, the outlet reports.

• John Kirby, National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the White House, stated that the United States is closely monitoring the joint military drills between Russia and China.