Brussels:
NATO has begun military planning for a new Arctic mission dubbed “Arctic Sentry,” the alliance’s military headquarters confirmed on Tuesday, against the backdrop of rising tensions between the United States and several European allies over Greenland.
Colonel Martin O’Donnell, spokesperson for NATO’s Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), said preparations were underway for what he described as an “enhanced vigilance activity.” He was confirming an earlier report by German magazine Spiegel.
“Planning is underway for a NATO enhanced vigilance activity, named Arctic Sentry,” O’Donnell said, adding that it was too early to provide further details as the planning process had only just begun.
Trump’s Greenland Remarks Trigger Diplomatic Strain
The move comes after repeated comments by US President Donald Trump, who has said he wants to acquire Greenland, arguing that European allies have failed to adequately secure the strategically important Arctic island from potential threats posed by Russia and China.
Trump’s remarks have sparked a dispute with Denmark, which governs Greenland as an overseas territory, and have added strain within NATO at a time when unity is seen as crucial amid growing geopolitical competition in the Arctic region.
NATO Leaders Discuss Arctic Security Cooperation
Following a meeting with Trump in Davos in January, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said the two had discussed ways for the alliance to work collectively to strengthen Arctic security. He noted that the issue extends beyond Greenland to include the seven NATO member states with territory inside the Arctic Circle.
The Arctic has become an increasingly strategic region due to melting ice opening new shipping routes and intensifying competition over natural resources.
Denmark Welcomes NATO Planning
Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen welcomed the development, calling it a positive step for regional security.
“It is very gratifying that military planning for a NATO mission in the Arctic is underway,” Poulsen said in a post on social media platform X.
“It is crucial that we work together with our NATO allies to increase security in the Arctic and the North Atlantic.”
Decision-Making Authority Within NATO
It remains unclear whether NATO defence ministers will formally discuss the Arctic Sentry mission during their February 12 meeting in Brussels.
Under NATO rules, the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) — currently US General Alexus Grynkewich — has the authority to plan and carry out enhanced vigilance activities without requiring unanimous approval from all member states.