NATO launches planning for enhanced Arctic security mission focused on Greenland and strategic sea routes.
NATO Initiates Arctic Sentry Planning
On Tuesday (February 3), the spokesman for NATO’s Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) announced the start of planning for a new NATO mission called Arctic Sentry. Colonel Martin L. O’Donnell, as quoted by Reuters, stated that planning work is underway for enhanced NATO vigilance activity named Arctic Sentry. O’Donnell refused to provide additional details and emphasized that work in this area has only just begun.
Strengthening Arctic Security
The NATO Arctic Sentry mission aims to strengthen security in the Arctic, particularly around Greenland. Its main objective is to increase NATO’s surveillance, deterrence, and operational readiness in the Arctic region – especially around Greenland and in the area of strategic maritime routes. The mission will also improve coordination of exercises, operations, and intelligence activities among NATO member states.
NATO-Denmark Cooperation in Arctic
On January 23, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte discussed security and defense cooperation with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. According to a post on X, the conversation also addressed NATO military presence in the Arctic. Rutte emphasized, “We are working together to ensure the security of all of NATO and we will develop our cooperation to strengthen deterrence and defense in the Arctic. Denmark continues to make a significant contribution to our common security and is increasing investments to achieve even more.”
EU Doubles Support for Greenland
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced doubling of financial support for Greenland in the upcoming long-term EU budget. The increased interest in the Arctic island comes after declarations by Donald Trump who wanted to take control of Greenland. The US president threatened to impose tariffs on European countries that oppose this, but later withdrew from this position. He also announced that Americans will cooperate with NATO on Greenland security.
