NATO’s Allied Command Operations (ACO) on Wednesday launched the “Arctic Sentry” exercise aimed at strengthening the alliance’s presence in the Arctic and High North, the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) said. The multi-domain exercise seeks to enhance NATO’s operational posture and reinforce its commitment to safeguarding member states in one of the world’s most strategically significant and environmentally challenging regions.
US Air Force General Alexus G. Grynkewich, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, said the exercise would leverage the alliance’s capabilities to protect its territory and ensure stability in the Arctic and High North. The operation will provide NATO planners with full visibility of allied nations’ activities in the region and integrate them into a coordinated operational approach.
The exercise follows a recent meeting in Davos, Switzerland, between US President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, where both leaders agreed that NATO should play a more active role in defending the region amid concerns over Russia’s military activity and China’s growing interest in the Arctic.
The operation will be led by NATO’s newest Joint Force Command, JFC Norfolk, whose area of responsibility now covers the entire Arctic region. ACO and JFC Norfolk will coordinate with Allied Command Transformation, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), and US Northern and European Commands.
In recent months, Trump has renewed interest in US control over Greenland, citing national security concerns related to Russia and China, and previously threatened sanctions against European countries opposing the move. The threats were later withdrawn following his meeting with Rutte at the World Economic Forum, where both sides agreed on a framework for potential cooperation on Greenland and the broader Arctic region. Subsequent talks between the United States, Denmark, and Greenland were launched to address the issue.
