UK's Foreign Minister to Urge NATO to Focus on Arctic in Finland and Norway Visit Travelling to Finland and Northern Norway, the UK's Foreign Secretary will call on NATO to step up its work in the Arctic to protect Euro-Atlantic interests in the region.
Sweden, Finland Urge EU to Tighten Screws on Russian Arctic Shipping With Insurance, Port Bans Sweden and Finland are pushing the EU to toughen sanctions on Russian Arctic shipping, calling for bans on insurance and port repairs for vessels carrying oil, gas and coal. The proposal targets overlooked maritime services seen as vital to keeping Russia’s Arctic energy exports afloat.
U.S. Signs Contracts With Foreign and Domestic Builders to Finally Launch Long-Delayed Icebreaker Fleet Overhaul The United States Coast Guard has signed contracts with Finland’s Rauma Marine Constructions and Louisiana’s Bollinger Shipyards to build six Arctic Security Cutter icebreakers, marking the culmination of a decades-long effort to modernize its aging icebreaker fleet. Two ships will be built in Finland for delivery in 2028. Four more vessels will follow in the United States, with the first domestic cutter due in 2029.
Norway Assumes Leadership of NORDEFCO On January 1st, Norway assumed leadership of the Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO) after Finland. War in Europe and heightened uncertainty have increased the significance of cooperation. "Europe can not take security for granted," says Norway's Minister of Defense, Tore O. Sandvik.
No New Structure for Northern Nordic Cooperation in Sight? Rovaniemi, Finland (High North News): At the end of the year, Finland will withdraw from the Barents Euro-Arctic Council, and the search for a new cooperation framework has so far not yielded any tangible results. “I really hope that we find a common path forward,” says Hanna Honkamäkilä in the Council of Oulu Region.
Finland Seeks Allied Cooperation on Space-Based Surveillance in the High North Finland is building up satellite surveillance capability and wants to join forces with allies to strengthen collective defense, said Minister of Defense Antti Häkkänen at NATO's Arctic Space Forum. Key Finnish and Swedish space actors have already signed a letter of intent on cooperation.
US, Canada, and Finland Double Down on Joint Icebreaker Effort in DC Meeting The US aims to further revitalize its shipbuilding capacity and Arctic icebreaker fleet under the trilateral ICE Pact. Officials from the three countries met in DC this week to discuss plans for 2026. Earlier this year the pact had resulted in a commitment to construct 11 new icebreakers for the US with participation from shipyards in all three countries.
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.
Northern Nordic Military Leaders Gathered to Bolster Cooperation The commanders of Norway, Finland and Sweden's northern brigades and home guard forces recently met in Troms, Northern Norway, to forge even closer ties. “This cooperation significantly improves our defense capabilities in the North,” says Terje Bruøygard, Commander of the Norwegian Brigade North.
Commander of Finnish Jaeger Brigade Keeps His Guard Up, but Doesn’t Think Russia Will Attack Sodankylä (High North News): Russia is unpredictable, but unlikely to cross the threshold of NATO's Article 5, says Marko Kivelä, Commander of the Finnish Jaeger Brigade. "At the same time, it is best to be prepared and take measures to avoid such scenarioes," he underscores.
U.S. Coast Guard to Receive 11 New Icebreakers Under Landmark Finland Deal The U.S. Coast Guard appears set to operate one of the most capable polar icebreaker fleets within a few short years. The service will receive 11 medium Arctic Security Cutter vessels under a U.S.-Finland deal unveiled by the White House last Friday. The first five vessels could be delivered by the end of 2028.
A Perfect Storm: When Healthcare and Defense Competes for the Same Youths Comment (Porsangmoen og Sodankyle): A perfect storm is brewing in the North. Soon, two of our most important public agencies will fight for the same workforce. Without drastic measures, one of them, perhaps both, will be left as losers.
Finland’s Stubb To Meet Trump in Washington DC To Push Icebreaker Deal for Coast Guard After several months of calm the topic of Finnish icebreaker for the U.S. Coast Guard appears set to come to the forefront again with both Finland’s Prime Minister and President meeting with U.S. President Trump in Washington DC thursday. Finland has been pitching its icebreaker construction expertise for months as the U.S. is looking to expand its fleet.
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.
NATO’s New Northern Land Command Inaugurated in Finland On Friday, NATO’s Multi-Corps Land Component Command Northwest officially opened in Mikkeli, Finland. "The MCLCC-NW will strengthen NATO’s defense in the High North and increase security in Finland," says the Finnish Minister of Defense Antti Häkkänen.
NATO’s New Northern Land Command Inaugurated in Finland On Friday, NATO’s Multi-Corps Land Component Command Northwest officially opened in Mikkeli, Finland. "The MCLCC-NW will strengthen NATO’s defense in the High North and increase security in Finland," says the Finnish Minister of Defense Antti Häkkänen.
Major Nordic Rescue Exercise in Northern Finland This week, the Rescue Borealis exercise takes place in Oulu, Northern Finland. It will develop the preparedness cooperation across Finland, Norway, and Sweden, and specifically test joint response to CBRN threats.
Russia’s Violations of Norwegian and Allied Airspace: “Sign of Desperation,” Says Professor Russia has violated Norway's airspace in the North three times this year, as well as the airspace of several other NATO countries. This suggests that the war in Ukraine is going much worse than Moscow wants to admit, says Professor Tormod Heier at the Norwegian Defense University College.
Norway’s Army Chief: No Practical Indications That the US Is Less Interested in Norway Tromsø, Northern Norway (High North News): Donald Trump has created uncertainty around the US security guarantee, but the practical defense cooperation with the Americans is stable, according to the Chief of the Norwegian Army. Next year's major winter exercise in the High North is expected to have significant US participation.
Norway Plans to Establish State Preparedness Hub Near the Border With Russia: "An Important Measure" The Norwegian government wants to strengthen preparedness and state presence in Eastern Finnmark, Northern Norway, with a new hub. This will boost Norway's ability to manage crises in the High North, believes Professor Natalia Andreassen.
US Military Logistics Leadership Visited the Northern Nordic Region Norway, Sweden, and Finland recently welcomed the US Armed Forces logistics leadership for meetings focused on the High North. "We discussed which areas are central in logistics planning for conducting operations in the North," says the deputy commander of the Norwegian Defense Logistical Organisation.
U.S. Looking to Acquire ‘Fennica’ Icebreaker from Finland, Order Several New Ones The U.S. government is in negotiations to purchase several icebreakers from Finland, including construction of new vessels and possibly the 33-year oldFennica.The news follows ongoing developments in the global icebreaker market with both Canadian and Finnish yards recently launching new projects.
Norwegian MoD: Norway Will Participate in Forward Land Forces in Northern Finland Norway will participate in the NATO Forward Land Forces Finland, says Norwegian Minister of Defense Tore O. Sandvik. The enhanced forward presence in Finland will be the first of its kind in the Nordic region.
The Major Arctic Challenge Exercise 2025 is Cancelled The fighter jet exercise Arctic Challenge was to take place in May-June across Norway, Finland, Sweden and Denmark, with US participation. The decision to cancel the exercise was made in unity by the Nordic air force chiefs, informs the Norwegian Air Force.
Arctic Council Chairship Handover: “We Must Move Forward With Courage,” Says Greenlandic Foreign Minister Tromsø, Northern Norway (High North News): The Kingdom of Denmark, spearheaded by Greenland, has taken over the chairship of the Arctic Council. The eight Arctic states have also agreed on a joint statement. "The Council must continue to be the foremost forum for cooperation in the Arctic," underlines Greenland's foreign minister.
Nordic Countries to Benefit From American Brain Drain The Nordic countries respond to Trump's political agenda with funds to recruit foreign researchers. The country is now facing a massive 'brain drain' after the administration's cuts in funding and restrictions on research, creating opportunities for Europe and China to recruit American researchers.
Nordic Defense Ministers Met in Lapland: Updated NORDEFCO With New Agreement New measures are bolstering Nordic defense cooperation. Gathered in Rovaniemi, the Nordic defense ministers signed a revised NORDEFCO Memorandum of Understanding – and discussed stronger joint efforts within air defense and the defense industry.
Nordic Defense Ministers Met in Lapland: Updated NORDEFCO With New Agreement New measures are bolstering Nordic defense cooperation. Gathered in Rovaniemi, the Nordic defense ministers signed a revised NORDEFCO Memorandum of Understanding – and discussed stronger joint efforts within air defense and the defense industry.
Finland Invests in Future Railway to Norway and Sweden Finland has started planning a future railway connection stretching from northern Finland to Narvik in northern Norway. The project aims to change the Finnish track gauge to the Swedish and Norwegian standard, thereby connecting Finland closer to its neighboring countries.
Support of Independent Membership for Greenland and the Faroe Islands in Nordic Cooperation "The current geopolitical situation shows how important it is that we stick together in the Nordic region," says the Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers, arguing that Greenland and the Faroe Islands should be granted full-fledged participation in official Nordic cooperation.
“The US Can Become More Unpredictable on Climate Issues in the Arctic Council Than Russia” The Kingdom of Denmark’s Arctic Council chairship program form a good basis for further cooperation between the eight Arctic states. However, engaging the Trump administration in the council’s work on climate change could be particularly challenging, says FNI researcher.
Arctic Guardian 2025: Multilateral Exercise on Maritime Emergency Response off Northern Norway The exercise, which gathers coast guard resources from the seven Western Arctic states, is underway. "In a changing Arctic, it is crucial that we train together, build trust, and understand each other's capabilities," says the Commander of Norway's Coast Guard.
Arctic Military Leaders Met Near the Norway-Russia Border: Discussed Hybrid Threats Last week, the Arctic Security Forces Roundtable was held in Kirkenes, Northern Norway, focusing on grey zone threats. "It is important to create understanding among our close allies about how the security situation in the Arctic is perceived in a turbulent and uncertain time," says the Norwegian Armed Forces.
Canada Bolsters Arctic Capabilities Ordering Two Heavy Polar Icebreakers, Teams up with Finnish Yard Sending a clear signal for Canada’s leadership role in the Arctic, the country announced contracts for two new heavy polar icebreakers. The vessels draw on the collaborative effort behind the recently-announced ICE Pact between Canada, Finland and the U.S. Both ships are expected to enter into service by 2030.
Joint Viking 2025: 10,000 Soldiers From 9 Nations Exercise Defending Northern Norway This year's largest military exercise in Norway kicked off on Monday. Norwegian forces are now practicing on countering military threats in the North – reinforced by allies from Western Europe and North America. "Even more important in light of today’s uncertain security situation," says Deputy Commander of Norway's Joint Headquarters.
Joint Viking 2025: 10,000 Soldiers From 9 Nations Exercise Defending Northern Norway This year's largest military exercise in Norway kicked off on Monday. Norwegian forces are now practicing on countering military threats in the North – reinforced by allies from Western Europe and North America. "Even more important in light of today’s uncertain security situation," says Deputy Commander of Norway's Joint Headquarters.
Closer Cooperateon on Transport in the Northern Nordic Region Norway, Sweden, and Finland have established Platform North, a cooperation platform to focus on transport and infrastructure in the Northern Nordic region. "This is a tool to help us reach our joint objectives," says Norwegian Minister of Transport Jon-Ivar Nygård to HNN.
Closer Cooperation on Transport in the Northern Nordic Region Norway, Sweden, and Finland have established Platform North, a cooperation platform to focus on transport and infrastructure in the Northern Nordic region. "This is a tool to help us reach our joint objectives," says Norwegian Minister of Transport Jon-Ivar Nygård to HNN.
Finland Strengthens Cybersecurity in the North With Extensive Exercising Finland is enhancing cybersecurity competence in its northern region. Municipalities and critical infrastructure operators recently participated in a cyber exercise under state auspices. "We gained experience in dealing with many kinds of threats," says Rovaniemi’s Chief Information Officer.
Norway, Finland, and Sweden: Discussing New Cooperation Structure in the High North Tromsø (High North News): State secretaries of Norway, Finland, and Sweden have been mandated to start designing a new framework for northern Nordic cooperation. "We have a shared interest in finding a joint answer to this," says the Norwegian Foreign Minister.
Finland Welcomes New EU Commissioner: Focus On Regions Bordering Russia The European Commission Executive Vice-President, Raffaele Fitto, is visiting Finland this week. "We will discuss the situation in Eastern and Northern Finland and ways to boost vitality," says Petteri Orpo, the Finnish Prime Minister.
Finnish Soldiers Train NATO Allies in Winter Survival Skills In Lapland, northern Finland, where temperatures regularly drop below -20 degrees Celsius, instructors from the Finnish Defence Forces’ Jaeger Brigade is running a winter warfare course for military personnel from USA, Canada, France and Great Britain.
Finland to Organize EU Leaders Summit in Lapland “Europe has to take greater responsibility for its own security," says Finland's PM Petteri Orpo. This weekend, he will host minister colleagues from EU countries and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy in Northern Finland, near the border with Russia.
Nordic Defense Cooperation is Becoming Even More Tangible The Nordic Ministers of Defense will strengthen operational cooperation, enhance military mobility, and initiate drone collaboration. "These measures concretize the Nordic countries' efforts to be able to carry out joint military operations if deterrence fails," says professor.
Norwegian Regional Leaders: Seeks New Solution for Northern Nordic Cooperation Finland is leaving the Barents Euro-Arctic Council, which also impacts the Barents Regional Council. A new form of cooperation that encompasses both regional and national levels should be created across the Cap of the North, believes the regional political leaders in Northern Norway.
Norway to Consider the Future of the Barents Euro-Arctic Council as Finland Withdraws Finland recently announced its withdrawal from the Barents Euro-Arctic Council after 2025. "From the Norwegian side, we will assess the path forward for the council together with the remaining members," says State Secretary Maria Varteressian in Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Finland Withdraws From the Barents Euro-Arctic Council Finland will withdraw from the Barents Euro-Arctic Council after 2025 and rather invest in other formats for cooperation in the North. The country now has an idea about designing a joint strategic agenda for the northern regions of Finland, Norway and Sweden.
US, Canada, and Finland Formalize Cooperation on Polar Icebreakers The US, Canada, and Finland recently signed a memorandum of understanding to begin working together on the design and construction of polar icebreakers. “This is a testament to the strength of allied cooperation in addressing strategic challenges,” say the parties.
The Faroe Islands Threatens to Exit Nordic Cooperation: “We Are either All in or Not at All” The Faroe Islands and Greenland will no longer accept exclusion from Nordic summits on foreign and security policy – and demand full-fledged membership of the Nordic Council and the Nordic Council of Ministers. Now the Nordic Council is calling for a renewal of the Helsinki Treaty.
