2026 JASE: A Highly Relevant and Valued Forum
Photo: Steve Thompson, Superintendent, Maritime SAR, Canadian Coast Guard, talked about emergency preparedness and response for remote communities.
Steve Thompson, Superintendent, Maritime SAR, Canadian Coast Guard
Bringing together 70 Arctic SAR stakeholders, JASE 2026 focused on coordination, preparedness, and emerging risks across the region.
Ten years after the first event, the 2026 Joint Arctic SAR Event (JASE) took place in Reykjavik early May, bringing together representatives from SAR authorities, the cruise industry, embassies, and other Arctic stakeholders.
The multi-day program focused on coordination, preparedness, and emerging risks in Arctic operations.
Through a combination of presentations, panel discussions, and a tabletop exercise (TTX) scenario—complemented by excursions and networking opportunities—participants engaged with key topics including geopolitics, cybersecurity, community preparedness, and operational coordination. The event aimed to strengthen shared understanding and enhance practical cross-sector collaboration.
From Discussion to Practice
Feedback from participants indicates that the event successfully balanced strategic discussions with operational relevance. The TTX, focused on emerging threats such as cyber risks, stood out as a central component—widely described as both realistic, relevant, and highly valuable.
In the evaluation of the event, many highlighted how the scenario helped connect themes from the program and translate them into practical coordination challenges.
“The TTX felt realistic, with clearly linked scenarios and objectives—overall a very good session.”
Event participant
Other program elements that resonated strongly included cybersecurity and emerging threats—frequently cited as among the most valuable sessions—as well as preparedness collaboration and capacity building across sectors and jurisdictions.
Community engagement and consular perspectives also featured prominently, adding a broader dimension to response efforts.
Participants consistently pointed to the value of bringing together diverse stakeholders in one forum. The event enabled dialogue between actors who rarely meet in the same setting, contributing to a more integrated understanding of Arctic SAR.
The social program was also widely valued, particularly as a platform for building trust and informal networks
Importantly, around 70% of respondents expressed a preference for holding the event annually—highlighting its perceived importance as a recurring forum for Arctic SAR cooperation.
Key Takeaways
- Broad engagement: ~70 participants from SAR authorities, industry, and embassies
- Practical focus: TTX exercise linked strategy to real coordination challenges
- Emerging risks in focus: cybersecurity and geopolitics high on the agenda
- Value of collaboration: strong emphasis on cross-sector coordination
- High relevance: majority support making the event annual
- Next steps: more interaction and stronger end-to-end response focus
Looking Ahead: More Interaction and Broader Scope
While feedback was overwhelmingly positive, participants also shared clear and constructive input for future editions. A recurring theme was the desire for greater interaction, including more time for questions and audience engagement, as well as smaller or more structured discussion groups within the TTX.
There was also strong interest in making greater use of interactive formats to ensure all participants are actively involved.
Participants further highlighted the need for a stronger focus on the full response chain, including post-rescue coordination on land, and called for broader stakeholder involvement in planning—particularly in shaping the TTX. The use of real-life cases and first-hand experiences was also emphasized as a way to deepen learning outcomes.
Additional suggestions pointed to the value of expanding geographical perspectives, increasing representation from a wider range of actors, and continuing to evolve the program in line with emerging risks.
Valued Platform for Arctic Cooperation
Across responses, the Joint Arctic SAR Event is clearly regarded as a relevant and valued forum. Participants highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration, a shared situational understanding, and continuous learning in a rapidly evolving operational environment.
With strong engagement and positive feedback, the event continues to play an important role in supporting Arctic SAR cooperation—both at sea and across the wider response system.
The Joint Arctic SAR Event was first launched in 2016 by AECO, the Icelandic Coast Guard (ICG), and JRCC Northern Norway.
Last update: 26. May 2026