The United Kingdom and Norway have formally backed NATO’s new “Arctic Sentry” mission, a coordinated alliance effort designed to strengthen surveillance, deterrence and rapid response capabilities across the High North, including Greenland.

The initiative reflects a growing strategic emphasis on the Arctic as geopolitical competition intensifies and military activity increases in the region.

Under the proposed framework, NATO allies will enhance maritime, air and space-based monitoring across key Arctic approaches, with a particular focus on protecting undersea infrastructure, monitoring strategic waterways and improving early warning capabilities.

Greenland, which occupies a critical position between North America and Europe, is expected to play a central role in the mission’s operational planning due to its geographic importance for transatlantic security.

British and Norwegian officials have presented the mission as a defensive and stabilising measure, aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation, safeguarding allied territory and reinforcing NATO’s collective defence posture.

Norway, as NATO’s northernmost member with extensive Arctic experience, is expected to contribute operational expertise, while the United Kingdom has signalled its intent to provide intelligence, surveillance assets and strategic coordination.

The endorsement comes amid heightened attention to Arctic security following increased military activity by non-NATO actors, as well as the region’s growing economic and strategic value due to climate change and emerging shipping routes.

Supporters of the initiative argue that a visible, coordinated NATO presence reduces the risk of miscalculation and underlines the alliance’s commitment to defending its northern flank.

Further details on force contributions, command structures and timelines are expected to be finalised through NATO consultations in the coming months, with the mission positioned as a long-term element of the alliance’s evolving posture in the Arctic.