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Cold Response: NATO Military Exercises in the Arctic Region (VIDEO)

Published March 9, 2026, 12:11
Cold Response: NATO Military Exercises in the Arctic Region (VIDEO)

NATO has launched its military exercises in the Arctic, which it holds every two years, this time giving greater emphasis to the role of citizens in supporting the military, at a time of high tension around the region due to US President Donald Trump's efforts to bring Greenland under US control. These exercises, called Cold Response, focus on defending the European Arctic region, where Norway and Finland, NATO members, share a border with Russia. They will take place from March 9 to 19 and are part of the North Atlantic Alliance's “Arctic Sentry” mission, which aims to strengthen its presence in the region and which was launched with the aim of de-escalating tensions with Trump regarding Greenland. This year, around 25,000 troops from 14 countries – including the US and Denmark – will take part in the exercises, which will take place mainly in northern Norway and Finland. Around 4,000 troops are expected to participate from the US side. Norway has declared 2026 a year of “total defense,” emphasizing the preparation of citizens, businesses, and state institutions to be ready to face wars and other disasters.