NATO to expand Arctic presence with Arctic Sentry mission

As Russia has shown increased military activity in the Arctic — including bombers, fighter jets and nuclear-capable submarines — NATO is preparing a new mission to strengthen its presence in the region. Warming waters that have opened new shipping lanes and continued Russian displays of force have prompted the alliance to act, officials say.

The mission, called Arctic Sentry, will build up troops in the Cap of the North, which includes parts of Norway, Sweden and Finland inside the Arctic Circle. NATO plans to step up maritime patrols in the Norwegian Sea and through the GIUK Gap between Greenland, Iceland and the United Kingdom, and may use the operation to test surveillance drones in harsh conditions.

Since January 2025, Russia has carried out at least 33 military maneuvers in the Arctic, roughly half of them training exercises, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom, Arctic Circle, Cap of the North, Norwegian Sea, GIUK Gap

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