Iceland does not possess its own armed forces, yet it plays a crucial role in NATO’s new Arctic strategy, designated Arctic Sentry. Its importance has grown particularly in the context of the Alliance’s increased activity in the region. Iceland has been a member of NATO since 1949, i.e., since the very beginning of the Alliance. The country has no standing army, navy or air force. The only armed formations are the Icelandic Coast Guard (Landhelgisgæsla Íslands) and police units. Despite lacking