We must be ready for escalation in the Arctic — NATO SACEUR warns

For several days the subject of Greenland has dominated the headlines. U.S. ambitions regarding the Danish dependency have been commented on by an increasing number of global decision-makers. We have not yet heard a direct comment on Greenland itself from the Supreme Allied Commander (who is also the senior U.S. military commander in Europe). General Grynkewich, however, spoke more broadly — about the Arctic as a whole and its impact on international security.   

At the annual People and Defence (Folk och Försvar) conference in Sälen, Sweden, General Grynkewich was unequivocal: the Arctic already constitutes „a frontline for strategic competition.” He pointed to growing activity by several actors, citing the increasingly frequent China–Russia joint patrols in the area as an example. He said Chinese icebreakers and research vessels are operating in Arctic waters, and their research is not aimed at peace but at gaining military advantage, adding that Russians and Chinese are conducting joint bathymetric surveys — a method of measuring the depth and structure of seabeds — which could assist them in future efforts to neutralize NATO’s capabilities both on and below the sea surface. 

Grynkiewich emphasized that this matter could escalate very rapidly, and we need to be aware of it and be prepared. The EUCOM commander warned the audience, directing their attention towards the said area, announcing that NATO will step up its activity in the region.

Grynkiewich said that at a recent conference of the chiefs of defence of Arctic states NATO agreed to improve our understanding of activity in the Arctic, strengthen situational awareness, and increase our own activity and the number of exercises in the High North.