Thursday 12/February/2026 – 06:24 AM
NATO announced the launch of a comprehensive military training and maneuver operation called the Polar Guardian in the Arctic, with the participation of tens of thousands of soldiers from NATO countries, in a step to enhance military security in the strategic region and deal with current geopolitical challenges.
NATO’s Polar Ranger exercises in the Arctic
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed that the large-scale maneuvers will include several multi-purpose military activities in the region, and bring together forces from various NATO member states, as part of the alliance’s efforts to enhance its capabilities to operate in difficult polar environments.
Rutte added, in press statements before the start of the maneuvers, that he could not disclose the details of the exercises to journalists because what he would say would give Moscow and Beijing information that they could listen to and benefit from.
Earlier, the Supreme Command of the Joint Forces in Europe announced that the Polar Guardian mission will be held under the command of the Joint Forces Command in Norfolk (JFC Norfolk), and includes multi-purpose maneuvers, including the Danish maneuvers called Polar Endurance, and the Norwegian maneuvers Cold Response.
The maneuvers aim to enhance the ability of the Allies to work together in the Arctic environment, including training on complex procedures in harsh climatic conditions and distinct logistical requirements, while forces from several countries have begun to prepare themselves at training sites, and activities are expected to continue during the coming months, while this training forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen the alliance’s military presence in the region.
These maneuvers come in light of increasing global interest in the Arctic region, which is witnessing a strategic competition between major powers, led by Russia and China, due to climate change and the opening of new sea routes and important natural resources, and the recent threats of US President Donald Trump regarding control of the island of Greenland, which belongs to the Kingdom of Denmark.
