International Affairs
Space Foundation Hosts Arctic Security Forum
Written by: Space Foundation Insights Team
Deanna Ryals, assistant deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs for Space, leads a roundtable discussion with representatives from Denmark, Canada, Finland and Sweden on Tuesday at The Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C. Space Foundation convened the event to promote discussion on Arctic operations and space-based assets.
Deanna Ryals, assistant deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs for Space joined Arctic leaders at a Space Foundation event Tuesday Sept. 22, 2026 in Washington. The leaders discussed the importance of cooperation in orbit for Arctic countries amid a changing security environment.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Dozens of embassy officials, industry experts and political advisers joined Space Foundation and leaders from the Secretary of the Air Force International Affairs (SAF/IA) office Tuesday to enhance international space cooperation among Arctic countries.
Deanna Ryals, assistant deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs for Space, moderated discussion for the Arctic Security and Space Cooperation Forum: Space Power Through International Partnerships.
Joining Ryals to offer insight into issues around Arctic operations and plan for continued discussion and collaboration were:
- Maj. Gen. Karsten F. Jensen, defense attaché at the U.S. Embassy of Denmark
- Col. Barry Leonard, Air and Space attaché at the Embassy of Canada
- Col. Tero Solante, defence cooperation attaché for the Embassy of Finland
- Jonas Dalén, councilor at the Embassy of Sweden,
Space Foundation welcomed attendees at Washington’s historic InterContinental The Willard Washington, D.C.
Among the key discussion points:
- How space-based operations help overcome the vast geography and harsh environment of the far north.
- The increased need for common policy and interoperability standards.
- Considerations for reducing classification to increase communications.
- How shared trust and values becomes an asymmetric advantage.
Participants and attendees concurred that Space Foundation’s 42nd Space Symposium from April 12-15, will provide another opportunity for arctic countries to gather more representatives to further discuss regional issues and operational needs.
Related Articles
