Nato tests defence in the Arctic

On Monday, the North Atlantic Alliance launched a two-year military exercise called Cold Response in the Arctic region. This year’s manoeuvres also focus on the role of the civilian sector in supporting the military during a period of heightened tension, which is also related to US President Donald Trump’s proposal to take over Greenland from Denmark.

The exercise runs from March 9 to 19 and focuses on defending the alliance in the European Arctic. The region is strategically sensitive, as NATO member states Norway and Finland share a border with Russia there.

Approximately 25,000 soldiers from 14 countries, including the United States and Denmark, will take part in the manoeuvres. Most of the activities will take place in northern Norway and Finland. The United States plans to deploy about 4,000 personnel.

However, the US military withdrew one squadron of F-35 fighter jets before the start of the exercise. According to military officials, it is not unusual for units to be moved or rescheduled for various reasons.

Norway has also declared 2026 the year of ‘total defence’. The aim is to strengthen the preparedness of civilians, businesses and public institutions for wartime situations or crises.

During the exercise, hospitals in northern Norway will also test their ability to treat large numbers of wounded soldiers transported from a model front line in Finland.

(reuters, max)