On 19 October 2024, the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Rob Bauer attended the 11th edition of the Arctic Circle Assembly. While in Iceland, he also met with the Chief of Defence, Mr Jonas G. Allansson, former President of Iceland Mr Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Chairman of the Arctic Circle Assembly and Michael Sfraga, newly appointed US ambassador-at-large for the Arctic.
Photo credit: Arctic Circle Assembly
In his keynote speech for the Arctic Circle Assembly, Admiral Bauer expressed his concerns about Russia's continued military build-up in the Arctic and the growing (military) cooperation between China and Russia, also in the Arctic region. "NATO will defend its interests in the Arctic. We have a responsibility to protect all our Allies, including the seven here in this region. And we want to uphold the international rules-based order, which includes freedom of navigation," Admiral Bauer said. He underscored NATO's strong posture in the High North based on new defence plans, major exercises and build-up of Joint Force Command Norfolk to ensure NATO's deterrence and defence for the whole of the North Atlantic. Admiral Bauer also praised closer Nordic Defence Cooperation: "The historic accession of Sweden and Finland makes NATO stronger, also in the High North. And Nordic Allies are investing deeply in their capabilities and equipment".
Sitting down with the Icelandic Chief of Defence, Mr Jonas Allansson, Admiral Bauer reiterated the key role Iceland plays as a NATO Ally. "Iceland continues to be strategically important because of its location and by operating crucial NATO air defence and surveillance systems. Iceland also hosts Allied Air Policing and key exercises," Admiral Bauer stated, adding that Iceland is one of 13 Allies involved in the NORTHLINK initiative that was launched during the Defence Ministerial Meeting on 17-18 October 2024. This initiative will help develop a secure, resilient and reliable multinational Arctic satellite communications capability. Admiral Bauer also welcomed Iceland's long-term support to Ukraine.
Meeting with Mr Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Admiral Bauer praised the Arctic Circle Assembly for being a key venue to address global challenges, including the security implications of climate change. "Reduction in sea ice due to climate change means that new shipping routes come into play in the Arctic, making them economically and militarily significant," Admiral Bauer said.
In his meeting with the US Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs, Michael Sfraga, Admiral Bauer discussed the role of the United States as an Artic ally, both on the diplomatic front and also militarily, as Pentagon published an updated Arctic Strategy in July this year.
Read the speech at the Arctic Circle Assembly.
