DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Alexander Kubitza
Senior Airman Elora J. Martinez/US Air Force
Among the many challenges NATO soldiers face in the unforgiving Arctic environment, frozen weapons pose a serious risk. Extreme cold can cause firearms to malfunction, leaving soldiers vulnerable.
Greenland holds vast reserves of rare earths that power everything from electric vehicles to military tech. As the world races to loosen China's grip on critical minerals, this Arctic island is emerging as a new battleground, where extreme conditions, soaring costs, and local resistance stand in the way.