Alaska Defense Forum 2026 focuses on community-military ties

Alaska Defense Forum 2026 focuses on community-military ties

Leaders in national defense, research and policy will gather with local partners next week in Fairbanks for the annual Alaska Defense Forum organized by the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

The Alaska Defense Forum brings experts together to strengthen Alaska's role in national defense and address shared challenges as the Arctic takes on increasing geopolitical significance. It has a strong focus on the relationship between local communities and the military.

This year's theme, "Readiness in Action," focuses on moving beyond discussion to the practical partnerships, investments and solutions needed to support military missions and the communities that enable them.

The event will be held Monday through Wednesday, Aug. 24-26, with the first day consisting of optional local tours followed by two days of sessions at the 8 Star Event Center, 1485 30th Ave. in Fairbanks.

The Geophysical Institute is organizing the event in collaboration with the Fairbanks Economic Development Corp. and the Association of Defense Communities.

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski will be among the presenters, who include representatives of key government, industry and support entities.

University of Alaska President Matthew Cooper will give opening remarks on the event's second day, the first full day of presentations and panel discussions.

Brittany Smart, senior advisor for defense communities research at the UAF Geophysical Institute, will also welcome participants and guests that day.

"Ready missions need ready communities," Smart said. "Military readiness in Alaska doesn't stop at the installation fence line. It depends on strong communities, reliable infrastructure and the ability to support the people who carry out the mission."

"The Alaska Defense Forum brings military leaders, communities, researchers and industry together to work through those shared challenges and identify where we can make real progress," she said.

Smart noted that Alaska's connection to national defense extends well beyond communities with defense installations. Airstrips, ports and other infrastructure across the state can serve both civilian and defense needs.

"In Alaska, many of the investments that strengthen communities also strengthen our national defense," Smart said. "That's why these relationships matter. We have to understand what the mission needs, what communities need and where we can solve problems together."

The Alaska Defense Forum is modeled after the Association of Defense Communities' National Summit and Installation Innovation Forum but has an Alaska focus.

The Association of Defense Communities is a nonprofit organization that works to build strong communities in support of America's military in every defense community and state.

In 2023, the association recognized the Fairbanks North Star Borough as a Great American Defense Community. UAF and its research were featured prominently in that recognition.

ADDITIONAL CONTACT: Brittany Smart, [email protected]

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