Germany and Iceland Deepen Defense Ties with New Arctic Security Pact
Germany and Iceland have signed a pact to enhance defense cooperation against Russian Arctic threats, including stationing German reconnaissance aircraft in Iceland.
- • Germany and Iceland signed a declaration to deepen defense cooperation focusing on the Arctic region.
- • German P-8A Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft will be stationed in Iceland for air and maritime surveillance.
- • The agreement addresses protection of critical infrastructure, cyber defense, and maritime logistics.
- • The pact responds to increased Russian militarization of the Arctic and heightened security concerns due to climate change.
- • Iceland, a NATO founding member without its own military, relies on allied forces and will enhance collaboration with Germany.
- • German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius emphasized Iceland’s strategic importance and accused Russia of militarizing the Arctic.
- • Icelandic Foreign Minister noted the shift from low tensions to increased security challenges over three years.
Key details
Germany and Iceland have formalized a significant step to bolster their defense cooperation focused on the Arctic region, driven by concerns over increased Russian military activities. During his visit to Reykjavik on October 20, 2025, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius signed a declaration outlining plans to station German reconnaissance aircraft, specifically the P-8A Poseidon long-range anti-submarine planes, on Icelandic soil to enhance air and maritime surveillance.
This enhanced cooperation aims to improve maritime logistics, protect critical undersea infrastructure, and strengthen cyber defense capabilities. Pistorius highlighted Iceland’s strategic position as a linchpin bridging the North Atlantic to the USA and Canada and serving as a gateway to the Arctic. He pointed to Russia’s militarization of the Arctic, including the rebuilding of old bases and submarine movements through Icelandic waters, as a direct threat necessitating increased NATO presence and cooperation.
Iceland, a founding NATO member since 1949, lacks its own armed forces but hosts a permanent US military presence. The agreement will involve closer collaboration between Iceland’s security apparatus and German air force and navy units to defend against hybrid attacks and disruptions to internet communication. Icelandic Foreign Minister Þórdís Kolbrún R. Gylfadóttir emphasized the dramatic shift in the region’s security landscape over just three years and praised Germany’s leadership in reinforcing European security.
Climate change, by opening previously impassable Arctic shipping routes, alongside Russian aggression, has driven NATO partners to intensify joint efforts in northern security. Germany’s new Arctic defense role reflects this strategic shift and underlines the importance of protecting vital infrastructure in the high north amidst evolving geopolitical threats.
The agreement marks a crucial expansion of German-Icelandic military cooperation as the regional security environment continues to rapidly change, cementing Iceland’s importance within NATO’s Arctic strategy.