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NATO strengthens maritime presence in the Arctic and High North

NATO Allied Maritime Command

Jul 28 2025

North Atlantic -- A NATO maritime task group is currently operating in waters of the Arctic and High North, reaffirming the Alliance's commitment to collective security in this increasingly strategic region.

The operations bring together ships and aircraft assigned to Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1) to conduct maritime presence operations throughout the region.

NATO's maritime presence in the region reflects growing international focus in the Arctic, where melting sea ice is opening new shipping lanes and access to natural resources. At the same time, the Alliance is enhancing its maritime domain awareness across the region to understand the environment and increase readiness to respond to contingencies.

NATO's maritime forces are also committed to the challenges of learning how to operate in a dynamic and changing maritime environment in the Arctic and High North. As maritime traffic increases, NATO forces continue to work closely with regional Allies and partners to preserve safe sea lanes, gain operational experience in the region, and deter potential destabilising activities.

By maintaining a routine and resilient maritime presence, the Alliance is ensuring this strategically vital region remains secure, accessible, and peaceful for all nations.

Seven Allied nations - Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and the United States - have territory within the Arctic Circle and play a key role in supporting the Alliance's cooperative and inclusive approach to Arctic security.

SNMG1 is one of NATO's four standing maritime task groups under the operational control of Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM). These task groups form the core maritime capability of NATO's Allied Reaction Force (ARF) and provide a continuous maritime capability to execute NATO missions across the spectrum of operations, demonstrating solidarity and strengthening the bond and interoperability between Allied naval forces.

Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) is the central command of all NATO maritime forces and the MARCOM Commander is the primary maritime advisor to the Alliance.

Story by Public Affairs Office at MARCOM