A400M Atlas Demonstrates Capability in Extreme Conditions Amid Uppick 2026 Exercises

A French Air and Space Force A400M Atlas has successfully landed on Arctic sea ice in northern Greenland, as part of the Tunupex and Uppick 2026 exercises. According to CEAM, the operation was a first operational achievement for the transport aircraft in such natural extreme conditions. The mission involved a landing in the Kap Harald Moltke fjord, with temperatures around -25 degrees Celsius. Specialists from France’s High Mountain Military Group helped secure movements and terrain assessment in the polar environment. The A400M also carried out a full recovery mission for mountain commandos taking part in Uppick 2026, loading seven snowmobiles with sleds and 11 personnel. Breaking Defense reports that the broader effort is intended to expand the A400M’s ability to operate from snowy, icy surfaces.