NATO has launched the exercise “Arctic Sentry” to increase its military presence in the Arctic. On Wednesday the commander of Allied Forces Europe, U.S. Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, announced the initiative. “Arctic Sentry reinforces the alliance’s commitment to protect its members and to preserve stability in one of the world’s most strategically important and environmentally demanding regions” he said. “It will leverage NATO’s strength to safeguard our territory and ensure the security of the Arctic and the far north”.
The operation comes in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to annex Greenland. At a meeting on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, President Trump and NATO Secretary‑General Mark Rutte agreed that, in light of Russia’s military activities and China’s growing interest in the area, NATO should take on greater responsibility for defending the region.