Following discussions between NATO allies over Greenland, it has been decided to form a new operational mission for the security of Greenland called Arctic Sentry: this mission is a re-organiosation and a significant expansion of current NATO exercises and operations in relation to the Arctic.
The solution came following discussions with the US government by NATO allies that pushed back against President Donald Trump’s request to annex Greenland as part of the US. NATO’s presence in the Arctic will also be expanded.
As part of Arctic Sentry, the UK will be increasing its troop contingent in Norway from 1,000 personnel to 2,000. Sweden, the latest NATO member will be participating in the mission with its air force. Denmark, France and Germany will also be participating in the mission. A new NATO contingent will also be deployed in Finland. The Arctic mission will also be consolidated with NATO’s space operations.
The US has so far dropped its claims to annex Greenland. However, security concerns about Greenland are very material as the Arctic ice melts and opens up new maritime sea-ways from the north, giving Russia more direct links with the rest of the world.
Feature video below by NATO. A full statement by NATO can be found here.
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