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The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), on Wednesday, announced the launch of a new security initiative named ‘Arctic Sentry’, aimed at reinforcing the alliance’s presence in the region, following tensions sparked by US President Donald Trump’s recent remarks about Greenland.
US General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, said the operation demonstrates the alliance’s resolve to protect member states and ensure stability in what he described as one of the world’s most strategically significant and environmentally demanding regions.
“Arctic Sentry underscores the alliance’s commitment to safeguard its members and maintain stability in one of the world’s most strategically significant and environmentally challenging areas.”
According to NATO, the mission will initially consolidate existing member-state activities in the Arctic, including planned military exercises by Norway and Denmark, under a unified command structure.
Denmark’s defence minister said Copenhagen would make a substantial contribution to the effort, while Germany confirmed it would deploy four Eurofighter jets as an initial commitment.
Finland, which shares a 1,340-kilometre border with Russia, welcomed the move, saying it would enhance Arctic security. However, it remains uncertain whether the mission will involve a significant expansion of military assets in the region.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte explained ahead of a meeting of defence ministers that the key change lies in bringing all Arctic-related activities under one coordinated command for the first time. He added that this would enable the alliance to identify capability gaps and address them.
“What is really new about it is that for the first time now, we will bring everything we do in the Arctic together under one command.
“We will also be able to assess what gaps there are, which we have to fill and of course we will fill them.”
The initiative follows recent strains within the transatlantic alliance after Trump suggested the United States could seek control of Greenland, citing what he described as threats from Russia and China in the Arctic. His comments triggered one of NATO’s most serious diplomatic tensions in recent years.
Trump later softened his position, saying he had reached a “framework” understanding with Rutte aimed at increasing US influence in the region rather than pursuing direct control of the Danish autonomous territory.
In a statement, NATO said the two leaders agreed that the alliance should assume greater collective responsibility for Arctic defence in light of Russia’s military activities and China’s expanding interests in the area.
Meanwhile, Denmark and Greenland have begun discussions with Washington and are expected to renegotiate a 1951 defence agreement governing US troop deployments on the island.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has indicated that NATO allies support maintaining a permanent presence in the Arctic, including around Greenland, to strengthen regional security.
The launch of Arctic Sentry follows NATO’s deployment of emergency operations last year in the Baltic Sea and along its eastern flank, measures designed to reinforce defences against potential Russian aggression.
