Overview
- NATO announced Arctic Sentry as a multi‑domain, enhanced‑vigilance activity directed by Joint Force Command Norfolk under SACEUR to organize allied operations in the Arctic and High North.
- Officials said the effort will initially serve as a coordination label for national exercises such as Denmark’s Arctic Endurance and Norway’s Cold Response rather than a permanent NATO deployment.
- The United Kingdom pledged to play a vital role, confirming plans to raise its Norway deployment from 1,000 to 2,000 troops over three years and to send 1,500 Royal Marine Commandos to Cold Response in March.
- Denmark said it will contribute substantially, and Germany announced an initial participation with four Eurofighter jets and refueling support, with further force details to be refined at NATO meetings in Brussels.
- NATO leaders framed the move as a response to growing Russian and Chinese activity and as a way to lower tensions sparked by President Trump’s push to acquire Greenland, with additional activities to be added as needs are assessed.