NATO will permanently base its third Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC) in Bodø, Norway, by fall 2025. The center will coordinate allied air operations across the High North and Nordic regions. The decision reflects NATO’s increasing militarization of the Arctic, particularly after Sweden and Finland joined the alliance.

Estimated to cost up to NOK 9.4 billion, the base will house 400 personnel. Strategically located near the Russian border, the CAOC affirms Norway’s status as NATO’s northern frontline and underscores the alliance’s readiness posture in contested Arctic airspace.

EU Sanctions Russian Arctic Shipping

The European Council unveiled a new wave of sanctions targeting 342 vessels, including shadow fleet tankers operating in Arctic waters. The 17th sanctions package, announced May 20, aims to restrict Russian energy exports and close loopholes in earlier enforcement mechanisms.

The package highlights EU resolve to counter Russia’s use of illegal shipping practices and to safeguard Arctic trade routes from becoming gray zones exploited for sanctions evasion.