policy_strategy
Nordic Countries Participate in Arctic Sentry
The operation Arctic Sentry strengthens NATO's presence in the Arctic and North Atlantic with participation from Sweden, Denmark, and Finland, where Sweden contributes with JAS 39 Gripen.
Several Nordic countries announce participation in Arctic Sentry, which aims to strengthen NATO's presence and deterrence in the Arctic and North Atlantic. Sweden contributes with JAS 39 Gripen, while Denmark and Finland participate through military and political efforts. The operation serves as a coordinating framework for several ongoing and planned NATO activities in the region.
NATO has launched the operation Arctic Sentry, a military activity that, according to the alliance, strengthens deterrence and defence in the Arctic and High North, as reported by Nordic Defence Sector on Wednesday.
Arctic Sentry functions as an overarching framework for coordinating ongoing and upcoming NATO operations in the region. It includes, among other things, the Danish-led Arctic Endurance and the Norwegian-led exercise Cold Response.
NATO emphasised on Thursday the strategic importance of the Arctic for the alliance.
– The Arctic and High North are becoming increasingly significant for NATO's collective security. Seven of the eight Arctic states are NATO allies, which means the alliance has a clear interest in maintaining security, stability, and cooperation in the region, stated NATO in a press release.
Denmark, Finland, and Sweden have announced their participation in the operation along with Greenland and the Faroe Islands.
The Danish Ministry of Defence states that Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, together with the Faroe Islands' Minister of Foreign Affairs and Culture Sirið Stenberg and Greenland's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Research Vivian Motzfeldt, have participated in meetings with NATO allies in Brussels. There, discussions focused on how security in the Arctic and North Atlantic can be strengthened in cooperation with other allies.
– In light of the security situation, it is very good news for us that NATO will now play a decisive role in the Arctic and North Atlantic with Arctic Sentry. In close dialogue with Greenland and the Faroe Islands, we have created two Arctic packages with funding for, among other things, new Arctic ships, maritime patrol aircraft, and enhanced satellite capacity, says Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen in the press release.
Finland's Ministry of Defence describes Arctic Sentry as part of the alliance's work to strengthen deterrence and defence in the region, referring to the security situation, including Russia's actions and China's increased interest in the Arctic.
– Our common goal is to increase security in the Arctic region. Finland's – and the entire alliance's – security is strengthened when our allies develop their ability to operate in the Arctic region, says Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen.
The Swedish Armed Forces announced earlier this week that Sweden has stationed JAS 39 Gripen in Iceland, and in a press release during the day, Sweden's Ministry of Defence states that the country contributes to Arctic Sentry by also stationing JAS 39 Gripen in Greenland. Additionally, Swedish ranger soldiers will train in Greenland for a few weeks, according to the Swedish Armed Forces.
Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson comments on the country's participation in the press release:
– It strengthens deterrence, protects our common interests, and contributes to stability in a region that is crucial for Europe and transatlantic cooperation, says Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
Defence Minister Pål Jonson also comments:
– As Russia re-arms and cooperation between Russia and China deepens, the alliance needs to strengthen its presence and situational awareness in the Arctic. This is how we take responsibility for our security and for the cohesion of the alliance, says Defence Minister Pål Jonson.
Arctic Sentry is directed from NATO's operational headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia, on the east coast of the United States.
FAQ
- Hur bidrar Sverige till operationen Arctic Sentry?
- Sverige bidrar till operationen Arctic Sentry med JAS 39 Gripen. Enligt Sveriges försvarsdepartement ska dessa flygplan placeras i områden runt Grönland. Detta stärker avskräckningen och skyddar gemensamma intressen i regionen. Senast faktagranskad: 2026-02-12.
- Vad är syftet med operationen Arctic Sentry?
- Syftet med operationen Arctic Sentry är att stärka Natos avskräckning och försvar i Arktis och Nordatlanten. Operationen fungerar som en samordnande ram för flera Natoaktiviteter i regionen. Detta inkluderar den danskledda Arctic Endurance och den norskledda övningen Cold Response. Senast faktagranskad: 2026-02-12.
- Varför är Arktis strategiskt viktigt för Nato?
- Arktis är strategiskt viktigt för Nato på grund av dess betydelse för alliansens kollektiva säkerhet. Sju av de åtta arktiska staterna är Natoallierade, vilket ger alliansen ett intresse av att bevara säkerhet och stabilitet. Nato betonar även regionens ökade betydelse. Senast faktagranskad: 2026-02-12.
- När meddelade Sverige sitt deltagande i Arctic Sentry?
- Sverige meddelade sitt deltagande i Arctic Sentry i ett pressmeddelande från försvarsdepartementet. Detta meddelande kom under en dag då flera nordiska länder bekräftade sitt engagemang. Sveriges deltagande inkluderar placeringen av JAS 39 Gripen i strategiska områden. Senast faktagranskad: 2026-02-12.
- Vilka länder deltar i operationen Arctic Sentry?
- Länder som deltar i operationen Arctic Sentry inkluderar Sverige, Danmark, Finland, Grönland och Färöarna. Dessa länder bidrar med både militära och politiska insatser. Operationen är en del av Natos strategi för att stärka säkerheten i Arktis och Nordatlanten. Senast faktagranskad: 2026-02-12.