Latvia will participate in NATO 'Arctic Sentry' mission

On Wednesday, February 11th, NATO launched its new 'Arctic Sentry' mission to strengthen NATO's position in the Arctic and High North, while expanding the Alliance's permanent presence in the region, and on February 12th, Latvian Minister of Defence Andris Sprūds confirmed that Latvia will participate – though exactly how remains to be decided.

“The Arctic is becoming an increasingly important security space where military, economic and geopolitical interests intersect. The launch of NATO’s Arctic Sentry mission is a clear signal of the alliance’s determination to protect its territory. The Arctic region is also strategically important for Latvia, as it affects transatlantic supply chains, logistics and common security. We are ready to make our contribution by strengthening collective defence and working closely with our allies,” said Sprūds following a meeting of NATO Defence Ministers in Brussels.

The mission builds on NATO's growing focus on Arctic security, particularly in the context of US President Donald Trump's repeated declarations that he wants to purchase or in some other manner annex Greenland, which is part of the territory of the Kingdom of Denmark, a fellow NATO member state.

The announcement of Artcic Sentry follows a meeting last month between Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Davos, Switzerland.

"Latvia plans to participate in Arctic Sentry and is currently clarifying the type and extent of involvement with allies," said a Defence Ministry release.