Rising tensions spark NATO planning for Arctic Sentry mission

NATO has begun military planning for the “Arctic Sentry” mission to reinforce its presence in the Arctic and the High North, Colonel Martin O'Donnell, spokesperson for the alliance’s SHAPE headquarters, confirmed, amid rising tensions between the US and European allies over Greenland.

According to German newspaper SPIEGEL, NATO Commander General Alexus G. Grynkewich has ordered detailed preparations for the “Arctic Sentry” mission, with member states’ defence ministers expected to review an initial operational plan in Brussels as soon as next week, Caliber.Az reports.

Martin L. O’Donnell noted that preparations for an Enhanced Vigilance Activity—aimed at increasing NATO’s monitoring and presence in the region—are underway. He declined to provide specific details, saying planning is still at an early stage.

The idea for “Arctic Sentry” emerged partly to appease President Trump, who has repeatedly suggested that the US should take control of Greenland to secure Arctic interests and criticised NATO for neglecting the region. With the new mission, NATO seeks to demonstrate a rapid-response capability. 

Early drafts of the operational plan reportedly include regular naval exercises, improved airspace monitoring via NATO fighter jets, and temporary deployment of small land forces to Greenland for exercises.

The concept, aligned with NATO’s reinforced presence along the alliance’s eastern flank, first surfaced earlier this year. However, uncertainty remained about US support for concrete planning until a breakthrough occurred during a call between NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Trump.

Rutte has increasingly positioned himself as a problem solver for Europe in dealings with Trump. Around the time of the Davos meeting with global business leaders, he managed to dissuade Trump from pursuing Greenland annexation plans, with the proposed NATO activities playing a key role. Rutte also offered to expand the US presence on Greenland significantly.

Germany has already confirmed participation in the potential NATO mission. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius cited possible contributions including naval ships, surveillance flights by the new P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, and Eurofighter jets likely tasked with enhanced airspace control.

By Jeyhun Aghazada