NATO's Arctic Drills: Civilian Role in Full Focus as Tensions Rise

NATO's biennial Arctic drills, 'Cold Response,' underscore civilian support for military operations amidst U.S.-Denmark tensions over Greenland. The exercises in northern Norway and Finland feature 25,000 troops from 14 nations. Norway emphasizes civilian readiness as U.S. adjusts military deployments.

NATO commenced its biennial Arctic military exercises, titled 'Cold Response,' on Monday, amid heightened tensions spurred by U.S. President Trump's controversial proposal to acquire Greenland from Denmark. The drills spotlight the critical role of civilian readiness in supporting military efforts, taking place March 9-19 across northern Norway and Finland.

The initiative involves around 25,000 troops from 14 nations, including the U.S. and Denmark, as NATO aims to fortify its European Arctic stance. President Trump asserts Greenland's strategic importance against Russian and Chinese Arctic interests, a notion Denmark and Greenland reject. The U.S. has committed 4,000 troops but recently withdrew certain F-35 fighter jets, citing diverse global reallocation needs.

In Norway, declared the 'year of total defence' in 2026, the focus is on civilian sector preparedness for crises, enhancing public and institutional resilience. Major-General Lars Lervik of the Norwegian Army emphasized the necessity of civilian support for military functions. One notable exercise involves hospitals in northern Norway handling mass casualty scenarios from a simulated frontline in Finland.

(With inputs from agencies.)