The plans for a NATO mission aimed at improving protection of the Arctic region around Greenland are becoming concrete. According to “Der Spiegel”, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, U.S. General Alexus Grynkewich, has issued the order to begin the military planning for the operation called “Arctic Sentry”. A spokesperson for Grynkewich confirmed the decision on inquiry, and Colonel Martin O’Donnell told a news magazine that the planning of a so‑called “Enhanced Vigilance Activity” is underway, though he gave no details yet because the work has only just started.
The idea behind “Arctic Sentry” reportedly arose to placate U.S. President Donald Trump, who had demanded that the United States take control of Greenland as the only way to ensure security in the Arctic area. Trump repeatedly threatened to use force against Greenland and criticized NATO for not safeguarding this geopolitically crucial region.
With the mission, NATO wants to show that it can respond swiftly. The plan includes patrols by NATO warships, improved air‑space monitoring, and the temporary stationing of small contingents of land forces in Greenland for exercises. Once the military planning is launched, the operation could move forward quickly. NATO defense ministers plan to discuss the new operation at their regular meeting next week.
Germany’s defense minister, Boris Pistorius (SPD), has already pledged participation in such a NATO mission weeks ago. He cited examples such as deploying navy warships, conducting overflights with the P‑8 maritime patrol aircraft, and using Eurofighter jets.