JBER Authorized to Expand Artillery Training

Changes will allow more than double the number of rounds fired annually at Eagle River Flats Impact Area

Apr. 5, 2026 at 1:53am

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The U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army have authorized several key changes to military training operations at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) in Anchorage, Alaska. The changes will reinstate all-season indirect live-fire training at the Eagle River Flats Impact Area, allow the use of 155 mm artillery, and expand the impact area by 585 acres. As a result, the maximum number of rounds fired annually is expected to increase from 7,087 to over 15,270.

Why it matters

The expanded training capabilities at JBER will provide significant additional readiness for military forces stationed in Alaska. However, the increased artillery activity raises environmental concerns, particularly around potential impacts to the endangered Cook Inlet beluga whale population.

The details

The authorized changes at JBER include: reinstating all-season indirect live-fire training at the Eagle River Flats Impact Area (ending previous winter-only restrictions), allowing the use of 155 mm artillery, and expanding the impact area by 585 acres. These changes will more than double the maximum number of rounds fired annually, from an estimated 7,087 to over 15,270.

  • The decision to authorize the changes was announced on April 5, 2026.
  • The expansion of the Eagle River Flats Impact Area is expected to take one to two construction seasons.
  • The Army plans to start all-season firing in the current impact area 'as soon as practicable.'

The players

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER)

A U.S. military installation in Anchorage, Alaska that is home to both the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army.

U.S. Air Force

One of the military branches that oversees operations at JBER.

U.S. Army

One of the military branches that oversees operations at JBER.

Cook Inlet beluga whale

An endangered whale population that lives in the waters near JBER, which the base will need to implement protective measures for.

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What’s next

The expansion of the Eagle River Flats Impact Area is expected to take one to two construction seasons, and the Army plans to start all-season firing in the current impact area 'as soon as practicable.'

The takeaway

The authorized changes at JBER will significantly expand the military's artillery training capabilities in Alaska, but will also require careful environmental monitoring and mitigation efforts to protect the local ecosystem, particularly the endangered Cook Inlet beluga whale population.