NATO Launches Arctic Sentry Mission to Coordinate Regional Defense and Resolve Greenland Dispute
Key Facts
- The mission is named Arctic Sentry and was launched on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
- The mission coordinates the military efforts of the U.S., Canada, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland.
- Germany will participate in the first stage with four Eurofighters and air-to-air refueling capabilities.
- The mission will oversee existing operations, including Denmark's 'Arctic Endurance' exercises on Greenland.
- U.S. General Alexus Grynkewich serves as NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe.
NATO launched a unified military command for the Arctic on Wednesday to secure strategic sea lanes and resolve an internal alliance crisis triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal to acquire Greenland. The new mission, designated "Arctic Sentry," will coordinate the military activities of seven Arctic allies—the United States, Canada, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland—under a single command structure. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated the mission would allow the alliance to "leverage what we are doing much more effectively" and identify security gaps as Russia and China increase their regional presence.
Historical Context
The Arctic has become a point of strategic competition as melting ice opens new maritime routes. Last month, President Trump renewed a push for the United States to take control of Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory, citing security threats from Russia and China. This proposal led to a diplomatic crisis that was partially de-escalated in January after a meeting between Trump and Rutte resulted in a framework for joint Arctic security.
Perspective Analysis
Sources: South China Morning Post · New York Times · Deutsche Welle | Aggregators: Global Conflict Monitor
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