NATO Is Expected to Step Up Arctic Security. Here’s Why.

NATO is expected to announce "Arctic Sentry," a new mission to increase its security presence in the Arctic, as early as Wednesday, February 12, 2026. This decision comes in response to increased Russian military activity in the Arctic region over the past year. The mission will focus on increasing troop numbers in the northernmost parts of Norway, Sweden, and Finland, and increasing maritime patrols in the Norwegian Sea and the GIUK Gap. NATO hopes this will demonstrate its commitment to Arctic security and potentially dissuade the U.S. from pursuing control of Greenland. Experts note that the mission is also influenced by President Trump's focus on Arctic security.

The UK will double its troop presence in Norway over the next three years, increasing from 1,000 to 2,000 personnel, in response to growing concerns about Russian activity in the Arctic. Defence Secretary John Healey cited Russia as the greatest threat to Arctic security since the Cold War, pointing to the reopening of old bases and increased military presence. The expanded presence includes 1,500 Royal Marine Commandos participating in NATO's Exercise Cold Response in March across Norway, Finland, and Sweden. In September, the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force will conduct Exercise Lion Protector to train forces in defending critical infrastructure against attacks in Norway, Iceland, and the Danish straits. This move reflects increasing NATO concerns about potential Russian threats to underwater cables and pipelines, with a reported 30% rise in Russian submarine activity in UK waters.