NATO Launches Arctic Sentry Military Effort

Move aims to shift focus from Greenland dispute to countering Russian, Chinese influence in the High North

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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NATO has launched a new military effort called Arctic Sentry to improve security in the High North region, a month after tensions arose within the alliance over U.S. President Donald Trump's threats to annex Greenland. Arctic Sentry will initially coordinate national military exercises in the region, with the goal of countering Russian and Chinese influence in the area.

Why it matters

The Greenland dispute had deeply shaken the NATO alliance, as the U.S. threatened to annex part of another ally's territory. NATO hopes that Arctic Sentry and ongoing talks between the U.S., Denmark, and Greenland will allow the alliance to shift its focus back to the main security priority - Russia's war on Ukraine.

The details

Arctic Sentry will be the NATO label for national military exercises in the region, such as Denmark's Arctic Endurance and Norway's Cold Response drills. It does not involve permanent or long-term deployment of NATO troops. The effort will be coordinated through NATO's U.S. headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia, and is aimed at countering Russian and Chinese influence in the High North, which includes Greenland. The UK has announced it will double the number of British troops deployed to Norway over three years from 1,000 to 2,000, some of whom will be involved in Exercise Lion Protector.

  • In February 2026, NATO launched the Arctic Sentry military effort.
  • In September 2026, the UK will be involved in Exercise Lion Protector as part of the Arctic Sentry initiative.

The players

NATO

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a political and military alliance of 32 member states in Europe and North America.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who threatened to annex Greenland, a semiautonomous territory in the Danish realm, fueling tensions within the NATO alliance.

Alexus Grynkewich

The NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, a U.S. Air Force General who stated that Arctic Sentry underscores NATO's commitment to safeguard its members and maintain stability in the High North.

Denmark

A NATO member state that controls Greenland, a semiautonomous territory.

Russia

A country whose influence in the High North, which includes Greenland, NATO is seeking to counter through the Arctic Sentry effort.

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What they’re saying

“Arctic Sentry underscores the alliance's commitment to safeguard its members and maintain stability in one of the world's most strategically significant and environmentally challenging areas.”

— Alexus Grynkewich, NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe (adn.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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