Defining the Standard for Military Shelters Worldwide
Military shelter systems from Alaska Defense® set the global benchmark for rapidly deployable, mission-ready structures used by military forces worldwide. Engineered for strength, adaptability, and interoperability, our military shelters form the backbone of modern base operations — from tactical command posts and forward operating bases to maintenance, logistics, and medical installations.
With more than 37,000 military shelter systems deployed across 85 countries, Alaska Defense® stands alone in delivering battlefield-tested performance at a global scale. No other military shelter provider matches the proven durability and operational record of our soft-wall military shelters. Beyond the military shelters themselves, Alaska Defense® engineers and manufactures the critical support systems that make them fully mission capable — including lighting and power distribution, environmental control units, and life-sustaining infrastructure. This unmatched level of vertical integration ensures that every shelter proudly bearing the “Alaska” name operates as a complete, survivable system in the harshest conditions — from scorching desert heat to arctic cold and hot, humid tropical climates.
Core Advantages of Military Shelter Systems from Alaska Defense®
Alaska Defense® is the largest and fastest producer of military shelter systems in the industry, trusted to deliver at scale and speed for U.S. and allied forces worldwide. As a true one-stop shop, Alaska Defense® streamlines the entire procurement and deployment process, saving time, reducing complexity, and ensuring seamless coordination by working with a single trusted provider.
Each military shelter system is purpose-built to deliver mission readiness and reliability for both expeditionary and sustained operations, ensuring operational superiority in any environment.
Additional key advantages of military shelter systems from Alaska Defense® include:
- Proven Mission Reliability – Backed by decades of real-world deployments with U.S. and allied militaries, our shelters have demonstrated consistent performance in combat, training, and humanitarian operations.
- Modular and Scalable Design – Our military shelters can be connected, expanded, or reconfigured to create complete base camps, maintenance facilities, or medical installations.
- Rapid Deployment and Strike Capability – Precision-engineered shelter systems designed for strength and operational speed. Expeditionary shelter models can be set up or taken down within minutes by trained teams, enabling rapid response without compromising structural integrity.
- All-Weather Durability – Alaska Defense® military shelters are tested to withstand wind, snow, rain, and extreme environmental loads, maintaining safety and interior comfort in arctic, desert, jungle, and high-altitude conditions. Certified test reports validate industry-leading performance, including thermal R-values and environmental resistance.
- Integrated Power and Environmental Systems – Compatible with Alaska ECU® (environmental control units), power distribution systems, and generators for a complete mission infrastructure.
- Mobility and Transport Efficiency – Alaska Defense® soft wall military shelters are engineered with a compact shipping cube that is significantly smaller than other shelter and containerized systems, reducing logistics and transportation costs by air, land, or sea. Reusable shipping containers support redeployment strategies.
- U.S. Manufacturing Excellence and 100% Berry Compliant – All Alaska Defense® military shelter systems are engineered and manufactured in the United States under ISO 9001:2015 quality standards. Our military shelters meet all Berry Amendment requirements, ensuring a traceable, compliant, and dependable U.S. supply chain.
- Comprehensive Support with SME Training and Installation – Alaska Defense® can provide dedicated subject matter experts (SME) to support planning, configuration, and on-site installation of our military shelter systems. This hands-on approach ensures mission-specific customization, rapid deployment, and long-term operational efficiency.
- Low Life Cycle Cost – Engineered for long-term durability, minimizing maintenance requirements and total ownership cost.
- 10-Year Shelter and ECU Warranty – The longest standard warranty in the industry.
Together, these capabilities define Alaska Defense® as the global leader in military shelter systems—delivering the proven performance, adaptability, and reliability that modern operations demand.
Military Shelters from Alaska Defense®
Alaska Defense® offers the industry’s most extensive portfolio of military shelter systems.
Expeditionary Shelter System
A rapidly deployable soft-wall shelter engineered with a superior strength-to-weight ratio and fast setup times—erected within minutes by a trained crew. Designed and tested for rapid setup and strike cycles, the Alaska XP® Shelter System delivers proven performance through repeated deployments without compromising strength or integrity. These quick-erect military shelters provide unmatched operational flexibility and reliability in the field and are available in 16’, 20’, and 24’ widths, with lengths ranging from 19.5’ to 52’.
Small Shelter System
The only U.S. Air Force–approved Small Shelter System. More than 20,000 Alaska Small Shelter Systems® have been deployed worldwide since 1999, making it the most widely used military shelter system in history. Commonly referred to as an “Alaskan Tent,” this proven design has set the global standard for reliability, rapid deployment, and mission readiness.
Medium Shelter System
The official Medium Shelter System for the U.S. Air Force. Measuring 29.5’ wide, 52’ long, and 15’ high, this proven structure features a fully powder-coated aluminum frame engineered to withstand high wind and heavy snow loads. It surpasses earlier medium shelters with unmatched durability and versatility, supporting critical operations and delivering long-term value in demanding environments.
30’ Wide Military Shelter System
Building on the proven Alaska Medium Shelter System™, the AK30 Shelter System™ delivers increased capacity and flexibility. Available in lengths from 32.5’ to 65’, it supports mobilization, demobilization, and rapid deployment for expeditionary and sustained operations. Its modular capability tailors to global or mission-specific requirements.
40’ Wide Military Shelter System
The AK40 Shelter System™ provides exceptional mobility, modularity, and scalability in extreme environments. Available in lengths from 30’ to 120’, its multipurpose design supports C2, TOC, training, warehousing, maintenance, and DFAC operations. Minimal foundation requirements enable rapid setup on nearly any level surface.
Portable Detainee Facilities
Our military-grade, modular shelters provide secure, rapidly deployable detainee facilities. Configurable for family housing, processing, admin, and medical support, they exceed federal space standards to ensure personal space and dignity. Integrated HVAC, insulation, and sanitation solutions support humane, secure operations for ICE, CBP, DHS, and other agencies.
Alaska Arctic Shelter System™
More than a tent, this is the frontline defense against life-threatening Arctic cold. Engineered to withstand hurricane-force winds, heavy snowfall, and sub-zero temperatures, the Alaska Arctic Shelter System™ is the trusted choice for extreme cold-weather missions. Proven through real-world climatic testing, it delivers unmatched protection and performance for next-generation operations.
High Altitude Shelter System
Specifically engineered for high-altitude combat missions, this lightweight expeditionary shelter delivers exceptional protection, portability, and durability in extreme cold, high winds, deep snow, and thin air. A lighter version of the combat-proven Alaska XP® Shelter System, it enables rapid deployment and sustained operations for forces in rugged, mountainous terrain and contested zones.
TUAV Shelters
Dedicated shelters for Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle operations, providing environmental protection and workspace for maintenance, control, and storage. Alaska Defense® delivers TUAV hangars unmatched by any other manufacturer. Available from 20’ to 80’ wide and customizable to any length, the free-span design maximizes interior space to support mission operations.
SkyDome™ Radar Enclosures
Rapid-deploy shelters engineered to protect radar and sensor systems in contested or harsh environments. The retractable design conceals equipment or opens for use without interference. Also ideal for artillery storage and UAS operations. A remote-control box and motor open or close the shelter in 2.5 minutes. Available in 19’, 26’, and 35’ widths.
Tactical Operations Centers (TOCs)
Command and control facilities are designed for operational planning, communication, and data management in the field. Scalable from company to division-level task forces using standard 16’, 20’, and 30’ wide shelters. Alaska Defense® can provide C4ISR integration and furniture packages, including smart tables, displays, and audio-visual units, to support advanced operations.
Expeditionary Shower & Latrine Facilities
Soft wall shelter systems with individual shower and restroom stalls to enhance sanitation, comfort, and morale during extended operations. Made in the USA, these self-contained systems integrate with existing or new Alaska Defense® military shelters. Each includes sinks, plumbing, water and waste systems, ventilation, and lighting. A 4-person facility fits on a single 463L pallet.
Negative Pressure Isolation Facilities
The Alaska Negative Pressure Isolation Facility™ exceeds all CDC requirements for Airborne Infection Isolation. These military-grade medical shelters function as individual isolation facilities or wards within field hospitals, enabling effective containment and treatment. Available in multiple configurations, including single- and double-bathrooms, they can be fully deployed within 60 minutes.
Medical Shelter System
Since 1999, over 3,000 Alaska Medical Shelter Systems™ have supported U.S. Air Force operations, delivering unmatched bed-down and theater-level medical capability for deployed forces. These versatile medical shelters support triage, patient care, and surgery, with integrated HVAC and lighting. The most tested COTS medical shelter in the DoD inventory, it sets up in under 30 minutes.
Medical Shelter System
Since 1999, over 3,000 Alaska Medical Shelter Systems™ have supported U.S. Air Force operations, delivering unmatched bed-down and theater-level medical capability for deployed forces. These versatile medical shelters support triage, patient care, and surgery, with integrated HVAC and lighting. The most tested COTS medical shelter in the DoD inventory, it sets up in under 30 minutes.
Expeditionary Medical Facilities
Built on the proven strength of Alaska XP® military shelter, these rapidly deployable medical shelter systems set up in under 12 minutes and scale to support field hospitals and surgical teams in any theater. Engineered for modern combat health strategies, they support Echelon II, III, and IV care, enabling flexible, seamless healthcare delivery on the battlefield.
BLU-MED® Civilian Medical Facilities
BLU-MED Response Systems® enables communities, governments, NGOs, and emergency agencies to respond to disasters worldwide with deployable medical facilities, emergency shelters, and turnkey field hospitals. Designed for civilian and humanitarian missions, these military-grade medical facilities support disaster relief and emergency management operations, fulfilling critical times of need.
Contact Us
For more information about military shelter systems from Alaska Defense® or to discuss mission-specific configurations, call +1-575-541-9116 or complete our online form.