Exercise Arctic Endurance Continues to Develop
The Danish Defence is strengthening its presence in Greenland and the North Atlantic and, together with Allied nations, is conducting the exercise Arctic Endurance throughout large parts of the coming year.
January 20, 2026 - 14:28
Exercise Arctic Endurance also includes activities at sea in the North Atlantic. Here, the French frigate Bretagne conducts training together with the inspection vessel Thetis. Photo: Danish Defence
By the Defence Command
The Danish Defence continues its increased presence in Greenland and, over the coming period, is conducting the exercise Arctic Endurance in the Arctic and the North Atlantic together with NATO Allies.
The activities in Greenland are a continuation of the Danish Defence’s reinforced presence in Greenland, which began in 2025. Last year, the increased presence in Greenland also included contributions from several NATO partners.
The increased presence in Greenland is a consequence of the changed security policy situation, which places new demands on the defence of the Arctic and the North Atlantic by Denmark and NATO.
Danish soldiers at the firing range following their arrival in Greenland. Photo: Simon Elbech / The Danish Armed Forces
Exercise Arctic Endurance continues to develop. In the past week, several NATO countries have conducted initial planning visits to Greenland. Reconnaissance teams from the participating nations have examined practical conditions related to terrain, accommodation, transportation, as well as logistical and planning aspects. Some reconnaissance teams have returned home to continue further planning, while contributions from other nations remain in Greenland, where planning of upcoming activities continues. At the same time, additional reconnaissance teams are still en route to Greenland.
Contributions from several Allied nations are briefed at the Joint Arctic Command headquarter. Some reconnaissance teams have returned home to continue planning their participation in Arctic Endurance, while other reconnaissance teams have arrived. Photo: Simon Elbech / The Danish Armed Forces
Exercise activities within Arctic Endurance continue this week, with the Danish main force for this phase of the exercise having arrived in Greenland. The initial phase of the exercise includes contributions from selected NATO partners and is conducted primarily in and around Nuuk and in the Kangerlussuaq area.
For information on contributions from NATO Allies, the Danish Defence refers to the respective countries.