NATO Launches Arctic Sentry Military Effort

Move comes after U.S. tensions over Greenland dispute

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

NATO has launched a new military effort called Arctic Sentry aimed at improving security in the High North region, a month after U.S. President Donald Trump ramped up tensions within the alliance over his threats to annex Greenland. The effort will initially involve coordinating national military exercises in the region, but does not include permanent NATO troop deployments.

Why it matters

Arctic security has been a growing concern for NATO in recent years, with seven member states located in the region along with Russia. The Greenland dispute further highlighted the strategic importance of the High North and the need for NATO to counter Russian and Chinese influence in the area.

The details

Arctic Sentry will serve as the NATO label for national military exercises in the region, such as Denmark's Arctic Endurance and Norway's Cold Response drills. NATO's role is aimed at coordinating these activities through its U.S. headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia, in order to safeguard alliance territory and maintain stability. The UK has announced it will double its troop deployment to Norway from 1,000 to 2,000 over three years, with some participating in Exercise Lion Protector.

  • NATO launched the Arctic Sentry effort on February 11, 2026.
  • The UK plans to double its troop deployment to Norway over the next three years.

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 ramped up tensions within NATO over his threats to annex Greenland.

Alexus Grynkewich

The NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, a U.S. Air Force General.

United Kingdom

A NATO member state that has announced it will double its troop deployment to Norway as part of the Arctic Sentry effort.

Denmark

A NATO member state that includes the semiautonomous territory of Greenland, which was at the center of the dispute with the U.S.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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 (wbal.com)

What’s next

Details are still being finalized, but NATO plans to add more military activities to the Arctic Sentry effort as security needs are assessed and national exercises conclude.

The takeaway

The launch of Arctic Sentry demonstrates NATO's growing focus on securing the strategically important High North region in the face of increasing Russian and Chinese influence, while also moving past the recent tensions with the U.S. over Greenland.