NATO strengthens operations in the north: alliance boosts Arctic presence
Arctic Sentry, a multi-domain NATO operation led by Allied Command Operations (ACO), reinforces the Alliance’s presence in the Arctic and the so-called High North – the strategic northern areas of military, economic, and geopolitical importance.
In brief
Allied Command Operations has launched the Arctic Sentry exercise, a multi-domain activity covering land, maritime, air and cyber operations in the Arctic and the High North region. General Alexus G. Grynkewich, Supreme Allied Commander Europe, stressed the Alliance's commitment to protecting member states in one of the most demanding environments in the world. Arctic Sentry integrates the Arctic Endurance exercise in Denmark and Cold Response in Norway, and activities are coordinated with NORAD, U.S. Northern Command, U.S. European Command and Allied Command Transformation.
Winter operations. Drills in extreme Arctic conditions
Arctic Sentry is a comprehensive operation covering land, sea, air, and cyber domains. NATO aims to increase continuous presence in the Arctic and High North, where Russian military activity is growing and China is showing rising interest.
- Arctic Sentry underscores the Alliance’s commitment to safeguard its members and maintain stability in one of the world’s most strategically significant and challenging environments. We will leverage NATO’s strength to protect our territories and ensure security in the Arctic and the High North, said Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, Supreme Allied Commander Europe.
Joint Force Command Norfolk leads. Bridging North America and Europe
The Joint Force Command Norfolk (JFC Norfolk) oversees the Arctic and northern Atlantic. “Norfolk bridges North America and Europe, defending strategic approaches between the continents,” emphasized Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, Supreme Allied Commander Europe.
Multinational exercises in action. Denmark, Norway, and NORAD coordination
NATO integrates national exercises into Arctic Sentry, including:
- Arctic Endurance (Denmark) – a series of multi-domain Arctic exercises,
- Cold Response (Norway) – multinational winter training exercises.
The operation is coordinated with NORAD, U.S. Northern Command, U.S. European Command, and Allied Command Transformation, ensuring maximum interoperability in extreme Arctic conditions.
Strategic stakes: security, shipping lanes, and deterrence
Arctic Sentry is more than a series of drills. It strengthens NATO’s security presence in the High North, protects vital shipping routes and resources, and enhances deterrence against potential threats.
Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
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