Denmark is taking part in a major NATO exercise in Greenland as more than 400 troops from 11 countries train for military operations in Arctic conditions.

The Arctic Shield 2026 exercise is being conducted on land, at sea and in the air around southern Greenland. The training is part of NATO’s wider Arctic Sentry effort to strengthen security and preparedness in the High North.

Danish Defence officials say the exercise is particularly important because Arctic operations require specialised capabilities, including surveillance, mobility and the ability to operate in extremely difficult weather conditions. The exercise is scheduled to continue until September 18.

Denmark and its NATO partners are also looking at strengthening Arctic surveillance through technologies such as radars, satellites and drones. The expansion of infrastructure in Greenland is another part of the longer-term security strategy.

The exercise comes amid growing strategic competition in the Arctic, where NATO countries are increasingly focused on monitoring military activity and protecting critical infrastructure. Danish authorities have identified Russia as a major security challenge in the region.

The latest exercise demonstrates NATO’s effort to improve coordination among allied forces and strengthen its ability to respond rapidly to potential security challenges in the Arctic.