NATO has launched the exercise “Arctic Sentry” to increase its military presence in the Arctic. The announcement was made on Wednesday by General Alexus Grynkewich, commander of the Allied Forces in Europe and a member of the U.S. Air Force.
He said that “Arctic Sentry underscores the alliance’s commitment to protect its member states and to maintain stability in one of the world’s most strategically important and ecologically demanding regions”. “It will leverage NATO’s strength to safeguard our territory and ensure the security of the Arctic and the High North” he added.
The exercise follows earlier threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to annex Greenland. At a meeting on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump and NATO Secretary‑General Mark Rutte agreed that, given Russia’s military activities and China’s growing interest in the area, NATO should jointly assume greater responsibility for defending the region.
