NATO pushes Arctic space plan to counter Putin

NATO has initiated plans to create a military-grade satellite communications network in the Arctic to better defend itself against Russia, Politico reports. The initiative, called Northlink, was agreed by 13 member countries during a defense ministers’ meeting in Brussels.

• The plan involves “leveraging services from communication satellite constellations” to offer up a reliable “multinational communications network for the Arctic,” NATO said. The alliances focus on space as a critical area of conflict underscores the increasing importance of satellite technology in modern defense strategies.
• Russia’s heightened military activities in the Arctic – including threats to jam satellite communications – have prompted NATO to take proactive measures. Countries like Denmark, Canada, and the U.S., which have Arctic territories, are collaborating under the Northlink framework.
• In addition to Northlink, 14 NATO member states have launched the Starlift initiative to develop rocket launch capabilities. This collective effort aims to bolster NATO’s operational readiness in space, further enhancing the alliance’s strategic positioning amid evolving geopolitical challenges.