Russian aircrafts operating off of Alaska

In October, Canada's Defence and Coast Guard conducted a whole-of-government crisis response exercise with a number of civilian actors in Whitehorse, Yukon.

The exercise took place within the framework of Operation Nanook-Tatigiit and included participants from Public Safety Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Canadian Coast Guard, the Canadian Red Cross, Indigenous Services Canada, the Yukon First Nations government and communities, as well as territorial and municipal authorities.

The scenario simulated a complex emergency threatening critical infrastructure and public safety in northern communities, requiring participants to coordinate response efforts, address emerging challenges, and make timely decisions under demanding conditions.

“Operation Nanook-Tatigiit strengthens the whole-of-government approach to Arctic defence and security. Through integrated planning and collaboration, we improve coordination, build shared awareness of the operating environment, and reinforce our collective ability to address complex and evolving safety and security challenges across the Arctic and North,’’ says Commander of the Canadian Joint Operations Command, Lieutenant-General Steve Boivin.

Canada hopes to reach an agreement with the EU by June of next year that could grant the country the status of the EU’s first associate member. The goal is to reduce dependence on the United States, reports The National Defense Magazine - Norway.

This was stated by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Friday, following a summit with EU leaders in Montreal.

Canada and the EU aim to strengthen cooperation in economic and security matters at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened traditional allies with increased tariffs.

“What unites us goes far beyond geography. We see the world through the same eyes,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Carney believes that closer cooperation will better equip Canada and Europe to withstand economic pressure and make their own decisions, without being dictated to by more powerful nations.

The parties have launched a new partnership called the “Alliance for the Future,” which will encompass areas including trade, defense, energy, and technology.

Republican U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski made a surprise endorsement Tuesday in the Alaska governor’s race: Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins.

This is reported by Alaskas News Source.

In a news release from Kreiss-Tomkins’ campaign emailed to reporters Tuesday afternoon, Murkowski commended the former Sitka state lawmaker’s commitment to bipartisanship. She encouraged “Alaskans of every political stripe” to consider backing him.

“Our future is too important to be hamstrung by partisan divisions,” Murkowski said.

“Jonathan understands that governing requires listening to people with different perspectives and finding common ground to solve the problems all of us face.”

The attorney general of Canada and the Yukon government are asking the territory’s Supreme Court to dismiss a lawsuit brought by the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun (FNNND), according to CBC.

The First Nation filed the lawsuit in December 2025, accusing the governments of breaching their treaty obligations and allowing unsustainable mining on its traditional territory.

The lawsuit cites, among other things, the catastrophic incident at the Eagle Gold mine in 2024. FNNND argues that the governments have failed to monitor and protect fish and waterways from the impact of mining.

It is seeking, among other remedies, 150 million canadian dollars in punitive damages from Yukon.

Both governments deny the allegations and maintain that they have fulfilled their legal obligations. Yukon also argues that the First Nation itself has contributed to delays in revising mining legislation and developing land-use plans.

The trial is scheduled for January.

The US Navy commissioned its newest destroyer, the USS Ted Stevens, into active service during a formal ceremony in Whittier, Alaska, on October 3.

That is reported by U.S. Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and the US Department of War.

The ship and its commissioning location honor the legacy of the late Sen. Ted Stevens, a decorated combat aviator and lifelong champion for the state of Alaska and the nation's armed forces, the press release states.

Selecting the strategic deep-water port of Whittier highlights Alaska's enduring maritime significance and the historic partnership between the state and the Navy.

"From the Pacific campaigns of World War II to modern Arctic maritime operations, the Navy and Alaska share a deep commitment to homeland defense. The commissioning in Whittier emphasizes the Navy's persistent operational presence in high-latitude environments to deter northern flank aggression and safeguard critical maritime routes," it further reads.

Following post-commissioning operations, the USS Ted Stevens will transit to its permanent home port in Norfolk, Virginia, fully prepared to deploy worldwide.

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) has appointed Navarana Beveridge as its new chief executive officer, Nunatsiaq reports.

The organisation represents Inuit in the Canadian territory of Nunavut and works to ensure that the rights and benefits outlined in the Nunavut Agreement are upheld.

Beverdige will take up the position on October 13, succeeding Kilikvak Kabloona, who left the role in June this year.

Beveridge was born and raised in Greenland and has worked for 17 years at the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, most recently as senior director of strategic planning.

In 2021, she was appointed honorary consul in Nunavut by the Kingdom of Denmark.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (R) will travel to Iceland on October 5. There, Rubio is set to meet with Icelandic politicians in Reykjavík to discuss cooperation on the economy and security.

The Secretary will then travel to Greece to lead the US delegation at the sixth US-Greece Strategic Dialogue, aiming to strengthen the partnership on key administration priorities, including defense cooperation as well as regional and energy security.

Afterwards, Rubio will travel to Lisbon to meet with Portuguese representatives and promote cooperation in the fields of defense, the economy, and technology.

The parliamentary election of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nation (CAFN) was scheduled to take place on october 22 in Yukon.

CBC Canada now reports that the election has been postponed.

According to the broadcaster, the postponement is due to the mass resignation of members of the elction board. It is unclear why the board members are stepping down, or how long it will take to appoint a new board.

Yukon First Nation consist of a total of 14 Indigenous communities with roots stretching back 12,000 years in Canada's Yukon territory.

CAFN is a self-governing Indigenous community with more than 1,200 residents in the region.

The incumbent chief, Barbara Joe, is running for re-election, alongside Shadelle Chambers, executive director of family preservation Service.

Voters will also elect six council members.

Canada has signed a non-binding agreement with the Swedish defence and technology company Saab to purchase six GlobalEye surveillance aircraft, reports Forsvarets forum.

The aircraft will be built in Canada ans used mainly for surveillance in the Arctic. The agreement also includes the purchase of GlobalEye systems and training.

Canada had been in talks with several U.S. companies about similar agreements, but ultimately chose Saab as its supplier.

Norway and Canada are set to draft an agreement on closer defense cooperation and to train and operate more closely together in the Arctic.

Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney agreed on this during a meeting in Ottawa on Sunday, NTB reports.

"Canada is a close partner for Norway and an important NATO ally. We share many fundamental values and have common interests in the Arctic. In turbulent times, Norway needs a broader foundation to stand on. We are now further strengthening our cooperation with Canada," Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre says in a press release.

Earlier this year, Norway and Canada established a strategic partnership covering areas such as Arctic security, support for Ukraine, energy, critical minerals, space, artificial intelligence, and climate.

In July, Canada joined the submarine cooperation initiative between Norway and Germany. The three countries are set to acquire identical submarines.

"This will strengthen our—and NATO’s—ability to monitor maritime areas in the north. It is crucial for our shared security," says Støre.

Norway and Canada also intend to increase cooperation between their respective defense industries. In a joint statement, the prime ministers affirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine.

Furthermore, the Norwegian and Canadian polar institutes will collaborate more closely on Arctic research.

Two Danish F-35 fighter jets landed in Greenland for the first time on Wednesday, at Kangerlussuaq Airport, reports KNR.

They are training alongside American F-16s and Canadian F-18s.

A Danish F-35 pilot tells the Danish Defence that Arctic conditions pose particular challenges for operations. The weather can be harsh and unpredictable, while distances between airfields are vast.

The operation is also supported by a French aerial refuelling aircraft, a Danish surveillance aircraft and a NATO AWACS aircraft.

US President Donald Trump has previously criticised Denmark for insufficient security measures in Greenland, citing threats from Russia and China.

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney will welcome the Prime Minister of Norway, Jonas Gahr Støre, to Ottawa, Ontario from September 20 to 21.

During the visit, the leaders will discuss opportunities to deepen the Canada-Norway partnership across key sectors, such as energy, critical minerals, and sovereign technology – including artificial intelligence and aerospace, a press release states.

“Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Støre will also advance Canada and Norway’s defence and security partnership. As Arctic nations and NATO Allies, they will discuss efforts to strengthen security and resilience in the Arctic and North Atlantic, modernise our defence capabilities, and bolster secure and resilient defence supply chains that support our collective security," states the press release.

“Canada and Norway are strong partners with growing ties in energy, defence, and technology. I look forward to hosting Prime Minister Støre as we deepen our economic relationship, strengthen the NATO Alliance, and create new opportunities for Canadian and Norwegian workers and businesses,” says Prime Minister Carney.

On Tuesday, the Canadian government announced that it will invest 405 million Canadian dollars in the Mackenzie Valley Highway project in the Northwest Territories.

The investment is being made through an Arctic Infrastructure Fund, and represents an important step toward establishing a continuous all-season transportation connection between the village of Wrigley and the city of Norman Wells.

“Safe and dependable transportation infrastructure is essential to strong, connected communities across Canada’s North and Arctic. This investment will help build more dependable connections, strengthen supply chains, create economic opportunities and improve access to essential services," says Steven MacKinnon, Canadian Minister of Transport, continuing:

"Through the Arctic Infrastructure Fund, we are investing in infrastructure that responds to the needs of northern and Indigenous communities while strengthening Canada’s resilience, security and sovereignty in the Arctic.”

The Canadian Coast Guard's largest and most powerful icebreaker, CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent, reached the North Pole on August 16.

The transit supports Canada's efforts to define its continental shelf and map its outer limits under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. During its voyage, the icebreaker collects high-resolution geoscientific and hydrographic data.

“The arrival of CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent at the North Pole is an important milestone that reflects Canada’s enduring commitment to the Arctic. Supported by the expertise of Canadian Coast Guard personnel, this mission advances scientific knowledge, strengthens our presence in the North, and reinforces Canada’s sovereignty and security,” says David J. McGuinty, Canadian Minister of National Defence.

Gen. Gregory Guillot, commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), hosted Gen. Michael Hyldgaard, the Kingdom of Denmark’s Chief of Defence, for strategic visits to key military installations in Alaska, August 12-14.

That is stated in a press release from Alaskan Command Public Affairs.

The multi-day visit focused on combined Arctic operations, airspace defense, operational integration, and interoperability.

"Showcasing our operations in Alaska demonstrates to our Allies the benefit of the NORDIC bridge which ties the US and NATO partners to deter and defend the Northern Approaches and the Arctic as a whole," said Guillot and added:

"Cooperation in this demanding environment ensures our combined forces remain ready to defend our nations at a moment's notice."

The visit began at Eielson Air Force Base on August 13, where both leaders suited up to participate in separate flight profiles in F-16 Fighting Falcons.

On August 14, the defense leaders transitioned to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson for high-level bilateral discussions at Alaskan Command Headquarters. The generals also met with Alaskan defense leaders to discuss shared security challenges, the defense of Greenland, and initiatives to enhance domain awareness across the Arctic.

William "Billy" Long is the new US Ambassador to Iceland. Long presented his credentials to Icelandic President Halla Tómasdottir on Monday this week.

Long is from the state of Missouri and for 12 years he represented Missouri's 7th District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

"Iceland and the United States share a long history of partnership, from security, defense, and business, to art, literature, and exploration," Ambassador Long said in a statement on the Embassy's Facebook page.

"I look forward to working alongside the people of Iceland to deepen our cooperation and strengthen the bonds between our two nations," he added.

Long was nominated by President Donald Trump to the position in September 2025.

Canadian forces are now conducting Operation Nanook-Qimaavivut to enhance their ability to move personnel and equipment and provide operational support in the Arctic.

The operation, which will last until September, involves engineering reconnaissance and infrastructure assessments near Resolute Bay in Nunavut, survey of airfield conditions across the Canadian Arctic and site assessment salong the Labrador coast.

Information collected during the operation will support future operational planning and identify engineering, mobility, and sustainment requirements for conducting year-round operations in remote northern environments.

"Nanook-Qimaavivut is about enabling operations today and into the future. By improving access, mobility, and sustainment in challenging environments, we are improving how the CAF supports operations across the North while respecting local conditions and communities,” says Brigadier-General Marc Parent, Commander, Joint Task Force North.

The Norwegian frigate KNM Fridtjof Nansen is participating in a historic exercise off the east coast of the United States.

The exercise, called FLEETEX 250, is a US-led exercise with 31 vessels from 17 different allies and partner nations, the Norwegian Armed Forces states in a press release.

FLEETEX 250 is part of the U.S. Navy's 250th anniversary celebrations, highlighting the importance of maritime cooperation and the enduring commitment between allies and partner nations.

The exercise includes coordinated maneuvers at sea, communications exercises and training in information sharing routines. The scenarios are designed to strengthen cohesion and ensure the force is able to operate effectively together across the Atlantic and in the Arctic.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen (M) expects that there will be a solution before the end of the year, as a result of negotiations between the Danish-Greenlandic-American working group, which have been ongoing since January.

This is reported by the Danish newspaper Politiken, cited in, among other things, the Greenlandic Sermitsiaq.

Løkke Rasmussen estimates that there is a need for "a number of meetings", he tells Politiken.

Denmark, Greenland and the United States agreed in January to establish a working group to discuss the way forward.

Relations between Denmark and Greenland on the one hand, and the United States on the other, have been tense after US President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to take over Greenland.

On Friday 19 June, the Norwegian Coast Guard vessel KV Hopen will leave Bergen, Norway, to carry out Operation Arctic Cohesion 2026.

This is an extensive, international expedition that will strengthen cooperation between Arctic coast guards, the Norwegian Armed Forces states in a press release.

The voyage marks the start of a two-month expedition through the North Atlantic, during which Norway, together with partners in Iceland, the United States, Canada and Greenland, will carry out a number of activities, exercises and professional exchanges.

Operation Arctic Cohesion 2026 is a key part of the Arctic Coast Guard Forum (ACGF) collaboration, and will show how the coast guards in the Arctic cooperate in practice to safeguard safety, emergency preparedness and the environment in an increasingly active sea area.

"Security and emergency preparedness in the Arctic are created through practical cooperation. When coast guards from several nations train, sail and solve missions together, we strengthen our collective ability to ensure safety in some of the world's most demanding sea areas," says Deputy Commander of the Norwegian Coast Guard, Commander Ture Lehn.