Commanders say lessons from Ukraine reshaped Arctic defense planning, raising questions about readiness, long term presence, and new partnerships.
NATO is ready to defend Norway’s Arctic territory from a Russian invasion “from the very first centimeter,” after the lessons of the war in Ukraine became a benchmark for allies, said the commander of the Norwegian Army, Major General Lars Lervik.
For decades NATO’s plan to defend the Northern region from Russia was based on a defensive withdrawal from the Finnmark area, involving British Royal Marines and Norwegian units, buying time until American reinforcements arrived to restore control over the lost positions.
The losses from President Putin’s war demonstrate how hard it is for a large force to advance under drone skies, and the heightened rhetoric of President Trump regarding NATO adds doubts about U.S. support.
Asymmetric tactics of the war in Ukraine became a source of lessons for planning the defense of Northern Europe, said Major General Lervik, who heads the ground component during Cold Response 26.
«Norway, Finland, the Baltic states and other NATO countries, we are moving more toward a ‘no inch’ policy. We are strengthening our capabilities and scaling up our ambitions to defend the territory … ready not to lose a fight on the first day … and to stay in it for four years.»
– Lars Lervik
Strategic Steps in Training Scenarios and Regional Threats
Training activities at Bardufoss base, where about 32,000 troops from 14 partner countries have gathered, demonstrate enhanced coordination among allies. Helicopters and other systems are rehearsing humanitarian-operations scenarios, while underwater under the ice hide elements of the Russian Northern Fleet’s nuclear potential.
Norway borders Russia along Finnmark and has immediate proximity to the Kola Peninsula, where the Russian Northern Fleet is based. This is one of the most heavily armed regions in Europe, and Moscow is actively expanding bases in the Arctic and seeking control over new shipping routes in a period of melting ice.
A key early-warning radar allows NATO to track Russian submarines and monitor them in the Atlantic, reducing the likelihood of a rapid nuclear strike. In response, the Kremlin intensifies espionage at critical Norwegian military facilities, while Russian propaganda seeks to portray a warlike status with NATO in the public. Oslo accordingly increases defense preparations, including establishing the first permanent brigade in Finnmark and integrating Ukrainian defense technologies into its own defense systems, notes Lervik.
«Svalbard is as much a part of Norway as Oslo, and we are ready to defend every inch of it.»
– Andreas Flam
Trump regularly voiced critical remarks about European allies’ contribution to NATO defense, but Norway continues integration with the United States. The country houses modern defense systems: from F-35s to NASAMS, from frigates and submarines to missile systems, closely connected to American technologies. At the same time, the country seeks new sources of technology in Europe and Ukraine, including cooperation with Ukrainian drone and missile-system manufacturers to upgrade the army.
According to officials, Norwegian defense is currently weighing six new submarines from Germany, upgrading its frigate fleet from the United Kingdom, and long-range missiles from South Korea. Also planned is to expand cooperation with Ukraine under the Build with Ukraine concept, which could lead to joint production of defense systems.
Strengthening the strategic partnership with the United States remains key for Washington and Oslo. Considering Arctic realities – from monitoring the Russian fleet to missile defense capabilities – highlights how close the interdependence between the two capitals is in matters of regional security. Against the backdrop of geopolitical competition, the Arctic is turning into an arena where every move matters for the region’s future.
Arctic Competition and Long-Term Consequences
The expert circle reads in Telemark discoveries and the expansion of Arctic bases a signal that control over resources and new seaborne routes is becoming critically important for security strategies and the economy. Intelligence efforts and cooperation between NATO countries strengthen the region’s defense and reduce the risk of sudden actions by Russia.
In light of growing resource opportunities in the region, including rare earth minerals, Norway continues to develop its defense capabilities and simultaneously build partnerships with Ukraine and Europe. The role of the United States as an ally and a constant source of improvements increases the ability of allies to respond to the complex challenges of the future in the Arctic.
In summary, NATO is steadily strengthening its positions in the Arctic region, aiming to guarantee the security of its allies and preserve stability at a multilateral level. The readiness to defend every centimeter of Arctic territory remains the main priority for the participating countries, which look to the future with confidence and joint efforts.