German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced Monday that Germany will begin naval patrols in Arctic waters this year to counter growing Russian military activity in the region. Speaking alongside Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, Pistorius cited Russia’s submarine operations and regional militarization as mounting threats to European security.

“Maritime threats are mounting… To name but a few, Russia is militarising the Arctic,” Pistorius said. “We are seeing increasing activity of Russian submarines operating in that area.”

Operation “Atlantic Bear” Begins with Greenland Mission

The new deployment, named “Atlantic Bear,” will see Germany’s support ship Berlin sail from Iceland to Greenland and then Canada. The operation will include maritime patrol aircraft, submarines, and frigates, marking Germany’s most significant Arctic naval presence to date.

“We will exercise with our allies in the region, and we have planned the first port call of a German navy ship to Nuuk in Greenland,” Pistorius said. The mission will also include Germany’s first participation in Canada’s Arctic military exercise, Nanook.

Climate Change, Geopolitics Shape Arctic Priorities

As melting sea ice opens new trade routes and exposes natural resources, geopolitical competition in the Arctic has intensified. The U.S. and its allies, including Germany and Denmark, have voiced concern over Russia’s expanded presence in the region.

The deployment also follows recent tensions between the U.S. and Denmark, after former President Trump floated the idea of annexing Greenland over security concerns and accused Copenhagen of underinvesting in Arctic defense.

Denmark recently pledged 14.6 billion kroner ($2.3 billion) to enhance Arctic security in cooperation with Greenland and the Faroe Islands.