Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre to visit Canada

Chief of Defence Command Finland, Lieutenant General Vesa Virtanen visited Boden, Sweden earlier this September.

The topic of the visit was Finnish-Swedish defence cooperation (FISE), particularly from the perspective of Forward Land Forces Finland (FLF Finland).

As HNN has reported, NATO's Forward Land Force Finland (FLF Finland) was officially established during a ceremony in Boden in June 2026.

The core of NATO Forward Land Forces Finland (FLF) is a battle group in the Norrbotten Brigade, in Boden, Northern Sweden. It will be able to move rapidly to Finnish Lapland to conduct operations under a multinational staff element in Rovaniemi.

The Chief of Defence Command Finland inspected the battlegroup and met with its commander.

“The unit specialises in Arctic conditions, which is important not only to Finland but to the entire Alliance’s deterrence and defence. I was impressed, seeing the trained and motivated unit in action”, Lieutenant General Virtanen said.

“Our cooperation with Sweden has advanced steadily, which we can now see as concrete steps in operational planning and activities. I want to thank the Swedes for their commitment. Finland and Sweden are working side-by-side and we are stronger together”, he concluded.

During the visit Lieutenant General Virtanen and his hosts also had broader conversations on developing bilateral cooperation and cooperation in the High North. The conversations also included cooperation on the monitoring and safeguarding of territorial integrity, which Finland announced late August.

In the spring, Russian submarines simulated the deployment of new technology designed to disable critical undersea cables near Svalbard, the Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean. However, the Russian exercise was exposed and thwarted by Norway, the UK and the US, anonymous Western officials told Reuters.

More specifically, the exercise was reportedly conducted by Russia's Main Directorate for Deep-Sea Research (GUGI).

In April, the UK and Norway announced that they had been monitoring Russian submarines from the Kola Peninsula that attempted to map underwater infrastructure in the North Atlantic. The discovery of the new weapon near Svalbard and the US involvement have not been previously reported.

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 Finnish Defence Forces will participate in the Denmark-led Arctic Endurance 26 -exercise complex in the Arctic region in early autumn.

That is stated in a press release from the Finnish Defence Forces.

The service personnel that will participate are from the Navy and from the Utti Jaeger Regiment.

"Finland maintains an active posture as a NATO member nation, and takes part in strengthening security in the Arctic region together with its Allies. Participation in the exercise complex will develop the Finnish Defence Forces’ interoperability, information exchange, and competence in the Arctic operating environment," the press release states.

Participation in the exercise will offer the Finnish Defence Forces’ special forces an opportunity to develop their capability to operate in a demanding Arctic environment and to strengthen cooperation with international Allies.

Arctic Endurance is one of the enduring exercises included under NATOs Arctic Sentry. This is NATO's enhanced Vigilance Activity for the High North and aims to strengthen the Alliance's posture and presence in the Arctic region.

Norway has eased restrictions that previously prevented allied surveillance aircraft from tracking Russian nuclear submarines operating out of bases on the Kola Peninsula, reports the Barents Observer.

The change means that allies can now operate closer to Norwegian areas than before, provided the missions are coordinated with Norwegian authorities.

The adjustment comes in response to an increased allied need for situational awareness in the Barents Sea and a more challenging security environment in the High North.

Norwegian authorities emphasize that operations will remain controlled and predictable.

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.

The Government of Greenland has received inquiries that cruise ships sailing in certain fjord areas are perceived as a burden on the local population and the affected natural areas. The inquiries concern, among other things, the impact on wildlife, noise pollution and the desire to preserve the areas' natural and recreational values.

This is stated by the Greenland government, Naalakkersuisut, in a press release.

In the statement, the government writes that it views positively the growing interest in Greenland as a travel destination and recognizes that cruise tourism contributes significantly to the development of the tourism industry, but also emphasizes that tourism development occurs on a sustainable basis and with respect for the local population, nature and wildlife.

Against this background, the Government of Greenland recommends that cruise ship navigation in fjord areas be avoided or limited as much as possible.

"The purpose of the recommendation is to limit the impact on vulnerable natural areas and wildlife, and to accommodate the wishes of the local population to preserve the areas' recreational values ​​and opportunities for hunting and fishing."

Major General Lars Lervik has been appointed Lieutenant General and new Chief of the Norwegian Intelligence Service.

This is stated in a press release from the Norwegian Armed Forces on Friday.

Lervik is currently the Chief of the Norwegian Army and takes on the role after Vice Admiral Nils Andreas Stensønes, who is retiring after leading the Intelligence Service since 2020.

"I am very pleased that Major General Lars Lervik has today been appointed as the new Chief of the Intelligence Service. Congratulations on the promotion to Lieutenant General and a new and important position. I am confident that the Intelligence Service has the right chief to lead and develop the organization further. At the same time, I would like to thank Vice Admiral Nils Andreas for his service and the enormous effort that has been made since he took office as Chief of the Intelligence Service," says Norway's Chief of Defence Eirik Kristoffersen about the appointment.

Lervik will assume the position from the date determined by the Norwegian Ministry of Defense.

Statistics Greenland recently published new numbers for the population on the massive Arctic island.

According to the agency, there is a record high mid-year population.

On July 1st, 2026, 56.945 people lived in the country. That is 114 more than on April 1st this year.

20,384 people now live in Nuuk, which is 299 more than on the same day, last year.

The population statistics are based on data from the Central Population Register (CPR), which records all individuals who are officially registered as residents of Greenland at a given point in time.

"It should be noted that information about individuals who emigrate from the Kingdom of Denmark is often reported with a delay. Therefore, the number of foreign nationals in the statistics may be higher than the actual number," Statistics Greenland informs.

Norwegian Minister of Defense Tore O. Sandvik had his first telephone conversation with the new British Secretary of State for Defence, Wes Streeting, on Thursday,

During the telephone meeting, security challenges in the High North and closer defense cooperation were high on the agenda, the Norwegian Ministry of Defense reports in a press release.

"Norway and the United Kingdom have strong cultural, geographical and historical ties. Together we have stood shoulder to shoulder throughout the 77 years of NATO's existence. We are now well underway in expanding our already strong and close defense cooperation," says Norway's Minister of Defense Tore O. Sandvik, adding:

"Together we are strengthening NATO's defense flank in the Arctic and the High North to secure Norway and our allies in turbulent times."

One of the main topics discussed was the further strengthening of the strategic defence cooperation between the UK and Norway through the Lunna House Agreement. This was signed in December 2025 and is the most comprehensive defence cooperation agreement that Norway and the UK have entered into in recent times.

Sandvik and Streeting also spoke about the need for continued support for Ukraine and European contributions to NATO, and the North European security cooperation Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF).

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.

In September, British Lieutenant General Nick Perry will be appointed general and the new commander of NATO Joint Force Command Norfolk (JFC Norfolk) in Virginia, USA.

JFC Norfolk is responsible for the security of the Arctic and the High North, as well as for protecting strategic lines of communication across the Atlantic. Its area of responsibility includes all the Nordic Arctic countries and the United Kingdom.

Perry's appointment is part of a process of change in NATO's command structure in which European allies are taking over leadership roles from the United States. Italy will take over command of JFC Naples, and Germany and Poland will share command of JFC Brunssum. The US will lead NATO's three component commands of air, land and maritime.

The Nordland County Council in Northern Norway is allocating NOK 6 million to the Nordland Research Institute. The funds will go towards establishing a new research center: MEA – a research center for marine and coastal communities. The goal is for new knowledge to foster stronger local communities and green growth along the Nordland coast.

The project receiving this funding will run for three years. It is intended to lay the foundation for a permanent research center in the county.

The target audience includes municipalities, regional councils, the business sector, and coastal communities in Nordland.

"This is an important investment in the future of our coast," says Svein Øien Eggesvik (Centre Party), County Councilor for Business, in a press release.

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.

Norway is strengthening its presence in Greenland and will open a Consulate General in Nuuk to further develop cooperation with Greenland at a time when the Arctic is gaining increasing strategic importance.

That is stated in a press release.

"The High North remains Norway’s most important strategic priority, and the Arctic is becoming increasingly important for international politics and security. Greenland is a close partner for Norway, and a Consulate General in Nuuk will strengthen both political contact and cooperation on shared interests in the region," said Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

"A Consulate General in Nuuk will give us closer contact with the Greenlandic authorities, the business community and civil society. It will strengthen cooperation in areas where Norway and Greenland already share strong interests, such as fisheries, maritime affairs and Indigenous peoples’ issues. It will also give us better opportunities to develop new areas of cooperation in the years ahead," said Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

Norway has had an honorary consulate general in Nuuk since 1986.

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.

Vice Admiral James Morley, Deputy Commander of NATO Joint Force Command Norfolk (JFC Norfolk), visited Sweden’s Northern Military Region from 7 to 9 June.

During the visit, the JFC Norfolk Deputy Commander gained first-hand insight into the operational environment of the High North - an area of growing strategic importance for the Alliance, a press release states.

The delegation, which also included Major General Stefan Sandborg, Deputy Chief of Joint Operations of the Swedish Armed Forces, visited eastern Norrbotten and the headquarters of the Northern Military Region in Boden.

There, military leaders met with representatives from Sweden’s North Civil Defence Region and Police Region North, highlighting the close cooperation between military and civilian authorities that forms the foundation of Sweden’s total defence concept.

"It has been valuable to see the progress made in integrating Sweden into the Alliance enterprise. Sweden's significant combat power and total defence concept - encapsulated brilliantly in the work at Regional Command North - adds significant capability to the Alliance," said Vice Admiral Morley.

"Sweden's stand-up of Forward Land Forces Finland and the transfer of authority to SACEUR marks another significant milestone and will further enhance NATO's defensive posture on the northern flank," he added.