The Only Dedicated, Multi-Domain Forum for NATO, Arctic & Allied Nations

Defence iQ’s annual Arctic Security summit returns on 30 June - 1 July 2026 at a pivotal moment for allied security. After decades of relative stability, characterised as the era of ‘high north, low tension’, the region has re-emerged as an area of great strategic importance, shaped by changing geopolitical conditions and great power competition. The conflict in Ukraine has provoked key shifts in the security environment, accelerating Sweden and Finland’s accession to NATO.  
 
With all members of the Arctic 7 now part of NATO, the alliance is adopting a more cohesive deterrence posture in response to increased militarisation, hybrid threats and grey zone activity in the region. This era is also marked by heightened discourse surrounding the sovereignty of individual Arctic states and security burden-sharing of the region amongst Arctic and allied nations. In recognition of these ongoing developments this year’s conference will explore the theme of Maintaining Sovereignty: Deterrence and Security in a Contested Arctic. The summit will provide a forum to examine how coordinated multinational efforts can address emerging challenges in the region, and combat tomorrow’s Arctic threats. 
 
Securing the Arctic is a multi-domain effort that requires Arctic capabilities designed to enhance situational awareness, maintain military presence and, and bolster warfighting readiness in the region. Arctic nations are actively procuring early warning signs radar, ice-cutters, submarines, drones, long-range precision strike capability, maritime patrol aircraft and more to fulfil growing requirements. Cross collaboration between industry, military, and government in developing Arctic capabilities for the future fight is now more important than ever. This year’s agenda integrates military and government perspectives with industry insights for collaborative exchanges that will enable fruitful partnerships and the delivery of Arctic capable solutions.  

Recognising the importance of coordinated activity across all operational domains, the 2026 agenda provides insights from across land, air, sea, cyber and space for a multi-domain approach to defence and deterrence.  
 
Topics Being Discussed:

• C2 Under Degraded Communications: maintaining decision advantage when connectivity cannot be assumed 
•  Sustaining High-intensity Operations in The High North: Endurance Over Weeks, Not Days 
• Persistent Arctic Domain Awareness: Closing Sensing Gaps Across Vast and Contested Spaces 
• Protecting Critical Undersea Infrastructure and Securing the Seabed Battlespace 
• Operating Effectively When Space-Enabled Services Are Disrupted or Denied 
• Deterring Hybrid Activity and Managing Escalation in A Region of Increasing Strategic Competition 
• Enabling Force Resilience: Keeping Personnel Operational in Extreme Environments 
• Integrating Allied Capabilities to Deliver Credible Deterrence