Germany and Iceland Forge Stronger Military Ties Amid Rising Russian Arctic Threats
Germany and Iceland have enhanced their military cooperation, focusing on maritime logistics and surveillance to counter increased Russian threats in the Arctic region.
- • Germany and Iceland signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance maritime logistics and military cooperation.
- • Germany plans to use Iceland's port infrastructure to support naval operations including warships and submarines.
- • The potential temporary deployment of P-8A Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft in Iceland is under consideration.
- • The cooperation addresses growing Russian activities in the Arctic and aims to strengthen NATO’s northern flank and European security.
Key details
Germany and Iceland have agreed to deepen their military cooperation amid increasing security challenges posed by Russia, with a particular focus on maritime logistics and air surveillance in the strategically important Arctic region. This development was formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed in Reykjavik by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and Icelandic Foreign Minister Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir on October 20, 2025.
Though Iceland lacks its own armed forces despite being a founding NATO member since 1949, it plays a vital role on NATO's northern flank. Germany plans to enhance its use of Iceland’s modern port infrastructure to support Bundeswehr warships, submarines, and supply vessels. Discussions are also underway about temporarily stationing P-8A Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft on the island to boost air and maritime surveillance capabilities.
Pistorius emphasized the critical role Iceland holds in protecting NATO’s northern territories, especially as Russian military activities intensify in the Arctic and pose risks to undersea cables and vital trade routes. He highlighted the increased necessity of NATO presence in this high north region, which has transformed from a previously low-tension area to a zone of heightened strategic concern. Iceland, while lacking military forces, is now set to enhance its collaboration with German air and naval forces, particularly to counter hybrid threats and safeguard cyber communications.
Foreign Minister Gunnarsdottir recognized Germany as emerging as a leading force in reinforcing European security and defense, stating that the ongoing partnership marks a significant step forward in collective defense arrangements within NATO. Alongside Germany's plans to station Eurofighter jets in Poland, these measures reflect broader efforts by NATO defense ministers to bolster protection against Russian drones and jets.
This cooperation not only strengthens bilateral ties but also reaffirms NATO’s commitment to securing its northern flank against evolving Russian and hybrid threats, thereby contributing to European and transatlantic security.