NATOs Allied Reaction Force visits Denmark
A multinational NATO reconnaissance team has just completed Deployex Steadfast Discovery in Denmark as part of preparations to enable the Alliance to rapidly deploy forces throughout the Kingdom’s area of responsibility.
September 17, 2026 - 13:33
The Allied Reaction Force team visits the Great Belt Bridge as part of a three-day programme in Denmark, during which the team worked closely with planning elements from the Danish Defence Operations Staff. Photo: Allied Reaction Force
By Defence Command Denmark
Against the backdrop of the intensified security situation and the Kingdom’s geographical extent and strategic location, NATO is placing increased focus on its ability to reinforce the area.
The reconnaissance team that has just visited Denmark represents NATOs Allied Reaction Force (ARF) and consists of personnel from its headquarters, NATO Rapid Deployable Corps – Italy, located near Milan.
“Allied Reaction Force (ARF) is NATO’s first quick-deployable and multidomain force. On short notice, ARF converges multinational components from every corner of NATO in high readiness, to support Denmark’s collective defence from Arctic to Baltic,” says the ARF Operational Liaison and Reconnaissance Team leader.
NATOs Allied Reaction Force (ARF) is a multinational, high-readiness force that can deploy at short notice to respond to crises or reinforce NATOs deterrence and defence.
Focus on Denmark’s role as Host Nation
A key focus of the visit was Denmark’s role as Host Nation. Host Nation Support includes logistics, transportation and the procedures required to support the reception, onward movement and sustainment of Allied forces. Host Nation Support is important because it enables NATO’s strategic mobility and its ability to reinforce, in particular, the eastern flank.
During the three-day visit, the team held strategic discussions with counterparts in the Danish Armed Forces and visited a number of military installations and infrastructure of strategic importance.
Steadfast Discovery has helped provide NATO and the Danish Armed Forces with a shared understanding of the operational environment and the practical requirements that need to be in place to move and support Allied forces. By testing procedures and coordinating plans in advance, NATO strengthens its ability to respond rapidly should the security situation require it.
NATO Allied Reaction Force – ARF
NATOs Allied Reaction Force (ARF) is a multinational, high-readiness force that can deploy at short notice to respond to crises or reinforce NATOs deterrence and defence.
The ARF is a multi-domain force comprising land, maritime and air components, special operations forces, and capabilities including cyber, space, logistics and strategic communications.
The force is under the authority of the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) and serves as a rapidly deployable strategic reserve. It is not tied to one particular geographical region and can therefore deploy wherever required.
The ARF headquarters function is currently provided by NATO Rapid Deployable Corps – Italy (NRDC-ITA), while its components are provided by NATO Allies.
The ARF was activated on 1 July 2024 as part of the NATO Force Model. NATO’s rapid reaction forces have previously existed in other formats.
The technical term for a reconnaissance team of the type that has just visited Denmark is an Operational Liaison and Reconnaissance Team (OLRT). In the event of an actual ARF reinforcement, an OLRT would be the first element to deploy.