Coverage

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals restored critical‑habitat protections for ringed and bearded seals across 160 million acres of Arctic Alaska, upholding NOAA’s designation amid state opposition over oil‑development impacts.

Danish forces in Greenland were ready to sabotage airfields if U.S. seized the island amid Trump’s push for Greenland; meanwhile China and Russia are expanding in Antarctica, raising security and resource concerns that could test the continent’s treaty‑based protections.

Three western navies boost unmanned maritime assets, testing V‑Bats in Arctic conditions and adding uncrewed surface vessels as they transition to hybrid fleets.

Greenland voters elected Naaja Nathanielsen and Qarsoq Høegh‑Dam to Denmark’s Folketing, bringing contrasting views on independence and resource policy that could shape Arctic governance.

A Ukrainian drone destroyed the FSB's newest Arctic vessel, underscoring rising security tensions in the Arctic.

Canada is debating expanding the Port of Churchill to create a northern trade corridor, weighing economic opportunities against environmental risks and Indigenous concerns.

U.S. and NATO allies concluded Cold Response 26, a multinational exercise in Norway, Sweden and Finland, conducting joint air combat, refueling and rescue operations under harsh Arctic conditions.

A Russian submarine, described as Putin’s favorite, has been returned to active service, increasing Russia’s naval capacity in the Arctic for strategic dominance.

Greenlandic candidates in Denmark’s upcoming election are using heightened U.S. interest to push for greater sovereignty, defense input, and economic autonomy, potentially reshaping Arctic governance.

Denmark, France, Germany, Norway and Sweden deployed troops to Nuuk and Kangerlussuaq in Greenland in early 2026 to deter a potential U.S. military action, following heightened tensions after a U.S. attack on Venezuela.

A 27‑year study shows the landfast sea‑ice season along Alaska’s Chukchi and Beaufort coasts has shrunk by up to 57 days, threatening hunting routes, oil‑gas ice roads and shoreline protection.

Oil companies secured drilling rights on more than 1.3 million acres in the Alaskan Arctic, including areas vital for wildlife, subsistence hunting, and conservation, sparking concern among Alaska Native leaders.

NATO's Cold Response 26 exercise, held March 9‑19 across Norway and Finland, drew 32,500 troops from 14 nations, featured naval drills by France, Germany, Turkey, and others, and was the first High North activity under Arctic Sentry amid Russian surveillance flights.

A record $163 million lease sale in Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve sparked legal disputes over the inclusion of protected Teshekpuk Lake land and the Nuiqsut right‑of‑way, highlighting conflicts between energy development and Indigenous and environmental interests.

Russian National Guard special forces conducted Arctic drills on the Kola Peninsula, using FPV kamikaze drones and firearms to neutralise simulated saboteurs in coordination with Emercom.

The U.S. intelligence report says Russia’s war with Ukraine hampers its Arctic ambitions, undermining plans to develop resources, expand shipping routes, and bolster nuclear deterrence.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited Norway to observe the large-scale Cold Response 26 exercise in the High North, highlighting Norway’s key role in Arctic defense and reinforcing NATO’s northern flank security.

The $44 billion Alaska LNG project aims to secure final investment decisions for its pipeline and terminal in 2026‑27, with shipping slated for 2031, as rising Asian demand driven by Gulf war‑related disruptions pushes for binding offtake deals.

Norwegian Arctic special forces are training in hand‑made snow caves to stay hidden from drones during NATO's Cold Response 2026 exercise, while testing new surveillance drones and advanced camouflage systems.

The ARCRISK project in the Mackenzie River Basin combines scientific modeling and Indigenous knowledge to develop actionable mercury risk‑reduction plans, supporting food security and ecosystem health in Arctic communities.

Critics file lawsuits seeking to delay a March 18 oil lease sale that would open 5.5 million acres of Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve to development, citing loss of protection for Teshekpuk Lake and subsistence rights.

The newly appointed mayor of Pechenga has called for a stronger military focus in the area, citing its strategic importance and border complexity.

Greenland’s center‑left Siumut party withdrew from the ruling coalition, prompting a ministerial resignation and raising questions about the administration’s stability.

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled a C$35 billion plan to strengthen Arctic defenses, expanding airfields and support hubs, aiming to reduce reliance on U.S. military aid as the region faces heightened geopolitical interest.

The Soviet Union completed its first passenger voyage from Murmansk to Svalbard, signaling a new operational step for Arctic shipping.