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NATO Launches 'Cold Response' Arctic Drills Focused on Civilian Readiness

The drills test whole-of-society resilience under Norway's 'total defence' approach within NATO's new Arctic Sentry framework.

Overview

  • Running March 9–19, the exercise brings about 25,000 troops from roughly 14 nations to operations mainly in northern Norway and Finland.
  • The United States plans around 4,000 personnel, but one F-35 squadron was withdrawn before the start, with Marines citing routine reallocation.
  • Medical scenarios this week will assess how hospitals in northern Norway handle large casualty flows from a simulated frontline in Finland.
  • Cold Response is integrated into Arctic Sentry, a broadened allied posture in the High North aimed at strengthening presence and coordination.
  • Political tension over President Trump's stated desire to acquire Greenland continues, as Denmark and Greenland maintain the island is not for sale.