Brussels, Belgium. Nato has started military planning for an Arctic Sentry mission, a spokesperson for the alliance’s military headquarters Shape said on Tuesday, amid tensions between the United States and European allies over Greenland.
Planning for Arctic Sentry
“Planning is underway for a Nato enhanced vigilance activity, named Arctic Sentry,” Colonel Martin O’Donnell, spokesperson for the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, said, confirming a report by German magazine Spiegel. He declined to provide additional details, saying planning had only just begun.
Greenland dispute and alliance strains
Repeated remarks by US President Donald Trump that he wants to acquire Greenland, accusing European allies of failing to properly secure the large Arctic island against Russia or China, has sparked a dispute with Copenhagen over the Danish overseas territory and triggered strains with Nato.
Rutte-Trump discussions on Arctic security
After meeting Trump in Davos in January, Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte said they had discussed how Nato allies could work collectively to ensure Arctic security, including not just Greenland but the seven Nato nations with land in the Arctic.
Upcoming ministerial meeting
It was not immediately clear whether Nato defence ministers will discuss the topic at their February 12 meeting in Brussels.
Authority for enhanced vigilance activities
Under the alliance’s rules, the Nato Supreme Allied Commander Europe, US General Alexus Grynkewich, has the authority to plan and execute “enhanced vigilance activities” without needing unanimous approval by the allies.
What do you think Nato’s Arctic Sentry planning could mean for Arctic security?