Allied Command Operations (ACO) announces the multi-domain activity – Arctic Sentry – which will further strengthen NATO’s posture in the Arctic and High North as persistent NATO presence in the region grows.
“Arctic Sentry underscores the Alliance’s commitment to safeguard its members and maintain stability in one of the world’s most strategically significant and environmentally challenging areas,” said General Alexus G. Grynkewich, Supreme Allied Commander Europe. “It will leverage NATO’s strength to protect our territory and ensure the Arctic and High North remains secure,” he added.
Arctic Sentry underscores the Alliance’s commitment to safeguard its members and maintain stability in one of the world’s most strategically significant and environmentally challenging areas
Arctic Sentry strengthens the Alliance’s ability to monitor, deter and defend across a region of growing strategic importance. The Arctic serves as a critical gateway between North America and Europe, hosting vital sea lines of communication, air approaches and infrastructure that underpin transatlantic security. In this evolving environment, Allied airpower provides the speed, reach and responsiveness required to maintain situational awareness and assure Allied sovereignty.
Allies Denmark and Sweden perform integration flight over the Faroe Island whilst operating in the High North. Photo by Rune Dyrholm, Danish Defence.
Persistent surveillance, air policing and rapid response capabilities ensure NATO maintains credible deterrence in the Arctic Region. Photo by Rune Dyrholm, Danish Defence.
The interoperability between Allied air assets strengthens NATO’s ability to monitor, deter and defend across a region of growing strategic importance. Photo by Swedish Armed Forces.
NATO’s Iceland Air Policing mission (Airborne Surveillance and Interception Capabilities, under Iceland’s Peacetime Preparedness Needs (ASIC IPPN)) will be a key pillar of the Alliance’s air domain presence under Arctic Sentry. Since 2008, Allies have periodically deploy fighter aircraft to safeguard Icelandic airspace ensuring the integrity of NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence systems. The Swedish Air Force are currently undertaking NATO’s Air Policing mission in Iceland, the first time since their assession to NATO. The Swedish JAS 39 Gripen fighters are providing interception capability, surveillance coverage and seamlessly integrating with NATO command and control networks.
German Eurofighter jets and Danish F-35 fighters are also currently operating from Keflavík Air Base, supported by the Multinational Multirole Tanker Transport Unit, contributing directly to the enhanced vigilance posture. Their presence demonstrating NATO’s Agile Combat Employment concepts and ensures sustained air surveillance and regional familiarisation in Arctic operating conditions, while reinforcing collective defence commitments in the High North.
Operating under the strategic direction of Allied Command Operations and led by Joint Force Command Norfolk, Arctic Sentry brings together national and NATO activities into a coherent operational framework. By integrating Allied capabilities across domains, the activity enhances visibility of military movements and enables coordinated planning and execution across the High North.
Persistent surveillance, air policing, air defence and rapid response capabilities ensure NATO maintains credible deterrence and crisis response options across vast and challenging operating areas. From long-range patrols to Quick Reaction Alert duties.
The stand-up of Arctic Sentry reflects the Alliance’s recognition that the Arctic security environment is changing. Increased military activity, evolving technologies and expanding access to the region demand a coordinated and persistent Allied presence. For Allied Air Command, Arctic Sentry underscores the importance of assured access to the air domain and freedom of manoeuvre across the High North.
Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office
