Researcher on Trump's Framework Deal: Expects Two Simultaneous Negotiation Processes US President Donald Trump and NATO's Secretary General have discussed the framework of a future deal on Greenland and the Arctic region. Defense researcher Marc Jacobsen believes that this will entail two related deals; the first within the NATO framework – and the second between the US and the Kingdom of Denmark.
Norwegian PM on Trump’s Tariff over Greenland: We Must Make Things Clear "During the past year, the seven Arctic NATO countries have worked on an Arctic strategy that the other countries have nodded to," says Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. That military personell went to Greenland to map out possible cooperation, was also nodded to, including by the US, he adds.
NATO Should Follow Up Success on the Eastern Flank in the Arctic, says UK Foreign Secretary Bardufoss, Northern Norway (High North News): NATO allies should launch stronger coordination and cooperation as part of an Arctic sentry, inspired by joint efforts for enhanced presence in the Baltic Sea and on the Eastern flank, said UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper to HNN last Thursday.
Agreed to Increase Military Exercise Activity in Greenland Denmark and Greenland have decided to increase military presence in and around Greenland, in close cooperation with allies.
British Forces in the North: Will Operate in Northern Norway Year-Round This year, Norway and the United Kingdom will increase the cooperation between their military forces. In December, the two countries signed an extensive defense agreement that paves the way for greater British presence in the High North.
White House Draws Up Plans to Acquire Greenland as Trump Revives Territorial Ambitions Donald Trump’s fixation on Greenland has entered a dangerous new phase with the White House actively drawing up acquisition plans, calling it a "national security priority." As U.S. actions in Venezuela reframe what Washington may be willing to do, European allies fear rhetoric is turning into policy. Even prediction markets like Polymarket are betting on Trump’s actions vis-à-vis Greenland.
Sharing Strategic Geography: The Nordics Amid a Changing Security Reality As the security environment in northern Europe is rapidly changing, the North should now be considered as having a shared strategic geography, writes Postdoctoral Fellow Gabriella Gricius in this op-ed.
Norway to Expand Submarine Fleet With Two Additional German-Built Boats to Counter Rising Russian Threat The Norwegian government supports the acquisition of two additional submarines from Germany, boosting its order with Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) to six boats; a move intended to strengthen Norway’s deterrence and surveillance capacity in the North Atlantic and Barents Sea.
NATO Updates Command Structure, Integrating the Nordics under JFC Norfolk All of the Nordic countries are now officially placed under the responsibility of NATO's High North-focused command, JFC Norfolk.
Why November 2028 is Crucial for Europe's Security Comment: When will Russia once again be able to attack another European country? For Northern Europe and a number of Baltic states, that will hopefully not be possible until November 7th, 2028. The so-called peace agreement for Ukraine showcases the gravity of the situation.
EU Parliament Charts New Arctic Course, With Norway and Other Arctic Partners at the Center The Parliament of the European Union adopted a new Arctic resolution warning of military buildup and highlighting the need for cooperation with Nordic partners, including Norway, to ready itself for the coming geopolitical competition. The measures passed with a broad majority of 510 votes for, 75 against, and 80 abstentions.
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.
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.
Sinking of Two Frigates by Norwegian Navy Sparks Strong Reactions In September, the Norwegian Armed Forces sank two old frigates off the coast of Northern Norway in connection with a NATO exercise. Fishers and nature conservationists have reacted strongly to the incident.
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.
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.
NATO's Military Leader: “The Arctic in 2025 Is at a Crossroads” Reykjavik (High North News): The message from the Chair of the NATO Military Committee is clear: “Together, Russia and China aim to reshape the rules of access and influence, to their advantage, challenging openness, fairness, and the rule of law.”
The Norwegian Government Proposes Defense Budget Increase of NOK 4,2 Billion in 2026 With the proposed increase, Norway will spend NOK 112 billion on national defense in 2026. In Northern Norway, there are i.a. plans for investments in property, buildings, and facilities of about NOK 3,2 billion.
Arctic Security Expert: “Putin is Testing NATO” Reykjavik (High North News): “It’s all a competition at this stage, designed to figure out what our tolerance is. We don't often project an image of strength that is really important when we're interacting with Russia and China”, says Canadian Defense Expert P. Whitney Lackenbauer.
NATO's New Air Operations Center Opened: Officially Part of the Alliance's Command Bodø (High North News): NATO's third Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC) has officially been inaugurated after a rapid build-up. The headquarters will participate in a major NATO exercise already this month, says the CAOC Commander to HNN.
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.
VIDEO: High North News Aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS Gerald R. Ford Watch some of the highlights from High North News' visit to the world's largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford. The American aircraft carrier operated in the North Sea in connection with the NATO activity, Neptune Strike 25-3.
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.
Denmark, Greenland and Iceland's Reactions To Trump Oslo (High North News): "Just a year and a half ago, Greenland's foreign policy strategy was basically one big invitation to the US for cooperation. Then Trump destroyed the trust and interest from Greenland," says Ulrik Pram Gad, Senior Researcher at the Danish Institute for International Studies.
Former US Ambassador to the Arctic: Trump Has Not Forgotten Greenland Oslo (High North News): Donald Trump is unlikely to have given up on his quest for control over Greenland, believes Michael Sfraga, the former US Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs. "When presidents speak, you should listen," he points out.
Arctic Light 2025: Denmark to Hold Military Exercise in Greenland with NATO Allies On Tuesday, the Danish Armed Forces will commence a major exercise in Greenland, with contributions from France, Germany, Sweden and Norway. The aim is to strengthen Denmark and NATO’s operational readiness in the region, as well as provide support for civil preparedness.
U.S Destroyers, Norwegian Frigate Patrol Arctic North Cape as NATO Forces Search for Russian Attack Submarines off Lofoten U.S. and Norwegian naval forces conducted a joint patrol in the Barents Sea. The Arctic operation comes as part of a large exercise in the Norwegian and North Seas involving theUSS Gerald R. Fordnuclear aircraft carrier and carrier group. NATO forces also conducted extensive aerial searches for three Russian Yasen-class attack submarines which were reported to be operating in the area off the Lofoten.
Sweden to Host NATO's Logistics Headquarters in the Nordic Region The Swedish city of Enköping is to host NATO's regional logistics headquarters. The establishment is part of the new military division of responsibilities in the Nordic region, and will support troop movements in NATO’s Northwest Area of Operations, says Professor Håkon Lunde Saxi at the Norwegian Defence Command and Staff College.
Norway's Minister of Defense: The Establishment of the NATO Air Operations Centre Is on Track Bodø, Northern Norway (High North News): The temporary premises of NATO's third Combined Air Operations Center will be ready at the Armed Forces' base in Bodø already in October. Norwegian Defense Minister Tore O. Sandvik commends the progress.
Professor: Norway’s New Preparedness Proposal for the High North Falls Short The Norwegian Government recently announced the development of a national preparedness action zone in the northernmost counties of Northern Norway. This is good in principle, but the government is late and is preparing a too small an investment, believes Professor Odd Jarl Borch.
NATO Maritime Task Group on Patrol in the High North The Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 is currently operating off the coast of Northern Norway. The group is patrolling and conducting anti-submarine activities to protect critical sea lines of communication.
Call From Longyearbyen for Increased Norwegian Military Presence in Svalbard Harstad (High North News): Norway must be able to defend Svalbard, believes Terje Aunevik, Chair of the Longyearbyen Community Council. At the same time, he and the County Chair for Finnmark Socialist Left are calling for proper strengthening of critical infrastructure in the North.
Call From Longyearbyen for Increased Norwegian Military Presence in Svalbard Harstad (High North News): Norway must be able to defend Svalbard, believes Terje Aunevik, Chair of the Longyearbyen Community Council. At the same time, he and the County Chair for Finnmark Socialist Left are calling for proper strengthening of critical infrastructure in the North.
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.
Photographer Dan Mariner’s Access to the Decommisioned Air Station Leads to Exhibit The British photographer got access to the decommissioned air station in Bodø, Northern Norway. The photos he took there are now exhibited under the title 'First Strike City' and pose the question: What is the cost of safety, and who is footing the bill?
France Ready for Joint Arctic Exercises, Will Open Consulate Says Macron During Visit to Greenland France is ready to step up its engagement in the Arctic through joint exercises and economic and social partnerships, French President Macron announced during a visit in Nuuk. The country will also open a general consulate in the Greenlandic capital. During a press conference Macron rebuked repeated statements made by U.S. President Trump about acquiring Greenland.
France Ready for Joint Arctic Exercises, Will Open Consulate Says Macron During Visit to Greenland France is ready to step up its engagement in the Arctic through joint exercises and economic and social partnerships, French President Macron announced during a visit in Nuuk. The country will also open a general consulate in the Greenlandic capital. During a press conference Macron rebuked repeated statements made by U.S. President Trump about acquiring Greenland.
France Ready for Joint Arctic Exercises, Will Open Consulate Says Macron During Visit to Greenland France is ready to step up its engagement in the Arctic through joint exercises and economic and social partnerships, French President Macron announced during a visit in Nuuk. The country will also open a general consulate in the Greenlandic capital. During a press conference Macron rebuked repeated statements made by U.S. President Trump about acquiring Greenland.
“Our Goal Is to Maintain the Arctic as a Stable Place” Reitan (High North News): Norway and the Nordic region are about to be placed under NATO's Joint Force Command Norfolk in the US. Its establishment in 2019 was a response to a resurgent Russia operating in the Arctic and the North Atlantic. "Events since have only reinforced and validated the decision to establish the command," says the JFC Norfolk commander.
Iceland Has No Defense of Its Own, Still Wants to Contribute More to NATO Iceland is developing a new security and defense policy and will increase its defense-related spending, says the country's Prime Minister, Kristrún Frostadóttir. She recently met with NATO's Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels, who commended the Icelandic contribution to the alliance despite not having its own armed forces.
Iceland Has No Defense of Its Own, Still Wants to Contribute More to NATO Iceland is developing a new security and defense policy and will increase its defense-related spending, says the country's Prime Minister, Kristrún Frostadóttir. She recently met with NATO's Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels, who commended the Icelandic contribution to the alliance despite not having its own armed forces.
JFC Norfolk Commander to Visit the Norwegian Joint Headquarters The US Vice Admiral Doug Perry, Commander of Joint Force Command Norfolk, is visiting Bodø, Northern Norway, this week. The NATO command is responsible for the Atlantic Ocean and the High North and will also be closely connected to the coming NATO air operations centre in Bodø.
“Norway Must Be the One to Have Control in the Areas Closest to Russia” Kirkenes (High North News): Russia is rattling its sabers along NATO's borders in the North, and the Norwegian prime minister warns against war and opens up for increased allied exercises in the High North. But both Norway's PM and Chief of Defense Eirik Kristoffersen trust Trump to respect Norwegian game rules.
NATO Secretary General’s Visit to Norway: Increased Focus on the High North Within the Alliance Ramsund and Evenes (High North News): NATO’s Secretary General Mark Rutte gained in-depth insight into the security situation in the High North when he visited Northern Norway last week. He also got to see how Norwegian and allied forces work together. A very important visit, says Rutte.
NATO Secretary General’s Visit to Norway: Increased Focus on the High North Within the Alliance Ramsund and Evenes (High North News): NATO’s Secretary General Mark Rutte gained in-depth insight into the security situation in the High North when he visited Northern Norway last week. He also got to see how Norwegian and allied forces work together. A very important visit, says Rutte.
The High North Is the Place to Meet Ministers and Generals Comment: This week, the chance of meeting a Chief of Defense or a Norwegian Minister was high. That is, if you were in the North. If you find yourself further south in the country, grumpy mayors and opposition politicians can be found right around the corner.
