# Denmark joins Canada-led Nanook Tuugaalik naval drills with French and US forces to strengthen NATO Arctic deterrence and readiness
The crew of Thetis has spent the past two weeks training in what the Danish Armed Forces described as Canada’s largest annual maritime exercise in the Arctic. The programme is designed to improve allied cooperation, operational readiness and combat capability in one of the world’s most demanding environments.
“The exercise provides good opportunities to train our ability to operate together under the specific Arctic conditions,” said Major General Søren Andersen, head of Joint Arctic Command. “When Danish and international units train side by side in and around Greenland, we strengthen our operational capability, our readiness and our shared understanding of the challenges involved in carrying out missions in the Arctic.”
The region covers more than twice the area of Europe, increasing the importance of shared presence and pooled resources, knowledge and experience. “This is particularly important at a time like the present, because Arctic security is a collective task,” Andersen said.
The drills come amid growing interest in the Arctic from major powers and the effects of climate change. NATO established Arctic Sentry earlier this year to coordinate allied contributions under Joint Force Command Norfolk.
Canada has a direct interest in expanding allied cooperation because 40% of its land mass and 70% of its coastline are in the Arctic. The Danish Armed Forces said Canadian authorities valued contributions from partners including Denmark.
“For our ships, crews and allies, Tuugaalik is about spending our time where it matters most: on the water, in the Arctic, training together to increase our knowledge of the region and maintain maritime situational awareness,” said Commander Brian Henwood, commanding officer of HMCS Robert Hampton Gray and Task Force Commander. “Every patrol increases our understanding of the operating environment and our capabilities, and it strengthens the relationships we have with local communities and partners across the Nordic region.”
The first 14 days of Nanook Tuugaalik take place in Canada’s area of responsibility before the activity shifts to Greenlandic waters under Joint Arctic Command. The programme will conclude with a port call in Nuuk and an open-ship event.
