NATO Launches 'Arctic Sentry' to Coordinate Allied Presence in the High North

Overview

• The alliance confirmed the operation’s start on Feb. 11 as defense ministers met in Brussels to shape implementation.
• Joint Force Command Norfolk will lead the mission, centralizing allied training, presence and surveillance across the Arctic.
• Near-term activities include Denmark’s Arctic Endurance in Greenland, France’s Operation La Fayette and Norway’s Cold Response, with allied troops already arriving for drills.
• Officials say the focus is enhanced maritime and air surveillance, including drones, and more effective use of current ships and aircraft rather than large new deployments.
• Leaders cite increased Russian military activity and rising Chinese interest as drivers, while the UK signals a key role and the UK-led JEF plans September High North exercises in Iceland, around Denmark and in Norway, a move also seen as easing strains after President Trump’s Greenland push following talks with Secretary-General Mark Rutte.