NATO Starts Planning 'Arctic Sentry' Surveillance Mission in the High North

Overview

• SHAPE spokesperson Colonel Martin O'Donnell confirmed planning is underway for the NATO mission called Arctic Sentry and withheld details because the work has just begun.
• Der Spiegel first reported the effort, which SHAPE later validated, confirming only the mission’s surveillance focus.
• The step comes after President Donald Trump’s repeated statements about controlling Greenland, which have strained ties with Denmark and raised Arctic security concerns involving Russia and China.
• Under NATO rules, Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Alexus Grynkewich can plan and execute enhanced surveillance activities without all allies’ consent.
• Denmark’s defense minister welcomed the planning as necessary for Arctic and North Atlantic security, and it remains uncertain whether defense ministers will take up the issue at the Feb. 12 Brussels meeting.