The Sun Is Returning to Longyearbyen. In Donald Trump’s Head, the Lights Are off for Good. Comment (Longyearbyen): I am in Longyearbyen, wondering how I got here, and not purely geographically. I lived in Svalbard for many years, and at least half of my heart has been deposited at 78 degrees North. I am wondering because of the questions that have brought me here now.
We’re at the Point Where European Leaders Want to Use Military Muscles to Deter the US Comment: Greenland's member of the Danish Parliament, Aaja Chemnitz, calls for a European and Nordic military exercise in Greenland as a response to Donald Trump's threats. Diplomatic language is no longer deterring. Our closest ally must be deterred with military power.
Nordic Defense Ministers and Chiefs of Defense Gathered to Enhance Joint Combat Power All Nordic defense ministers and chiefs of defense recently met in Helsinki. A key topic was the development of air forces capable of combined operations. “This is important for strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defense in the High North,” says Antti Häkkänen, Finnish Minister of Defense.
Iceland and Germany to Enhance Defense Cooperation Iceland and Germany recently signed a letter of intent on increased defense cooperation. "We are ready to assume greater responsibility for stability and security in the High North," says the German Minister of Defense, Boris Pistorius.
Iceland and Finland to Strengthen Defense Cooperation On Tuesday, Iceland and Finland signed a Memorandum of Understanding on defense cooperation. "This agreement underscores Iceland's increased emphasis on regional and bilateral cooperation with neighboring countries and central allies," says the Icelandic Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Formidable Shield 2025: "One of NATO's Most Important Deterrence Exercises This Year" Today, around 2,500 soldiers from ten NATO nations began a highly relevant air and missile defense exercise at Andøya, Northern Norway. "The war in Ukraine shows the significance of being able to protect the airspace," says spokesperson at the Norwegian Joint Headquarters.
Formidable Shield 2025: "One of NATO's Most Important Deterrence Exercises This Year" Today, around 2,500 soldiers from ten NATO nations began a highly relevant air and missile defense exercise at Andøya, Northern Norway. "The war in Ukraine shows the significance of being able to protect the airspace," says spokesperson at the Norwegian Joint Headquarters.
US, UK and Norwegian Air Forces Exercise in the High North: F-35s Integrate With B-52 Fighters, bombers, and surveillance aircraft from the US, the UK, and Norway are now exercising to protect the High North. "The Arctic is a critical region for our collective security and global stability," says the commander of US Air Forces in Europe.
“NATO Keeps a Close Watch Over Maritime Activity in the North,” Says COMSUBNATO NATO conducts regular submarine patrols in the North Atlantic and also surveils maritime activity closely using aircraft and surface ships, says the alliance's Commander of Submarines during a visit to Norway. Recently, Norway’s submarine HNoMS Utstein completed a NATO-led patrol in the North.
“NATO Keeps a Close Watch Over Maritime Activity in the North,” Says COMSUBNATO NATO conducts regular submarine patrols in the North Atlantic and also surveils maritime activity closely using aircraft and surface ships, says the alliance's Commander of Submarines during a visit to Norway. Recently, Norway’s submarine HNoMS Utstein completed a NATO-led patrol in the North.
“NATO Keeps a Close Watch Over Maritime Activity in the North,” Says COMSUBNATO NATO conducts regular submarine patrols in the North Atlantic and also surveils maritime activity closely using aircraft and surface ships, says the alliance's Commander of Submarines during a visit to Norway. Recently, Norway’s submarine HNoMS Utstein completed a NATO-led patrol in the North.
Nordic Defense Cooperation Strengthened With New Joint Concept The Nordic Chiefs of Defense have signed an agreement on a joint defense concept for the region. This will synchronize the countries' defense plans and facilitate, among other things, more joint military exercises and educational activities, capacity building, and joint operations.
The French Navy Strongly Present for Surveillance and Deterrence in the North Bodø (High North News): In January, the French frigate Bretagne patrols northern waters, including a pitstop in Bodø, Northern Norway. “We are here to strengthen NATO’s deterrent posture in the High North,” says Commander Senior Grade Jean-Michel Pimbert.
NATO’s Chiefs of Defense to Discuss Deterrence of Russia at Meeting in Norway Norway's Chief of Defense, Eirik Kristoffersen, has invited allied chiefs of defense to Oslo in mid-September. Strengthening NATO's deterrence and defense vis-à-vis Russia and implementing updated regional plans are on the agenda.
Norway Pulled Stronger into Great Power Rivalry between the USA and Russia, Argues Defense Researcher American military presence near the Norwegian-Russian border area does not necessarily increase Norway’s security, argues Professor at the Norwegian Defense University College, Lieutenant Colonel Tormod Heier.
