NATO Strengthens Arctic Presence with Arctic Sentry

NATO has launched the mission Arctic Sentry, a new initiative that brings together allied exercises and operations in the Arctic and the North Atlantic Ocean. The activity aims to strengthen the alliance's presence and security in the region and is led by Joint Force Command Norfolk.

NATO announced this afternoon that the mission Arctic Sentry has commenced. The activity will be conducted by Allied Command Operations (ACO) and led by Joint Force Command Norfolk (JFC Norfolk). Arctic Sentry includes exercises and other operations and will increase NATO's presence in the region.

According to NATO's press release, the activity builds on the alliance's increasing focus on Arctic security and refers to the meeting between U.S. President Donald J. Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte last month in Davos, Switzerland.

– During the meeting, the leaders agreed that NATO should collectively take greater responsibility for the region's defence considering Russia's military activity and China's growing interest there, the press release states.

General Alexus G. Grynkewich, Commander of NATO's forces in Europe (SACEUR), comments on the mission on social media as well as in the press release:

– Arctic Sentry underscores the alliance's commitment to protect its members and maintain stability in one of the world's most strategically significant and environmentally challenging areas, says Grynkewich.

Furthermore, it is described that Arctic Sentry brings together allied activities in the Arctic, creating a unified operational whole. These activities include Denmark's Arctic Endurance, as well as Norway's upcoming exercise Cold Response, where troops from several NATO countries will participate.

Earlier this week, Nordic Defence Sector reported on how the Danish Air Force participated in operation Noble Defender in the Arctic, and on Wednesday, Nordic Defence Sector reported that the United Kingdom confirmed participation in Arctic Sentry.

According to a press release from the Danish Ministry of Defence, the mission will be conducted in cooperation with the governments of Greenland and the Faroe Islands. Vivian Motzfeldt, Minister (Naalakkersuisoq) for Foreign Affairs and Research in Greenland's government (Naalakkersuisut), comments on Arctic Sentry:

– The Arctic is changing, and it is crucial that we cooperate with our NATO allies to strengthen defence and security in the region. The first step on this path is Arctic Sentry, after which we will strive for a more permanent and balanced NATO presence, says Vivian Motzfeldt.

As the activity is partly in the planning phase, the Danish Ministry of Defence states that the extent of the Danish contribution will be decided when a comprehensive plan for the activity is available from NATO.