If you see some extra action happening around Iqaluit in the coming days, there's a good reason for that.

North American Aerospace Defence (NORAD) announced on March 4 that an "increased military presence" would be seen at its forward operating location (FOL) around the city's airport starting on that day. That was followed by a joint release from the GN and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) on the same issue.

FOLs are used to support NORAD and Canadian NORAD Region (CANR) missions, operations and exercises.

What it means is that there will be increased deployments of aircraft and personnel to FOLs, which are required to ensure the logistical maintenance of facilities as well as maintaining and enhancing the expertise of personnel operating in remote environments.

"The defence of Canada and the United States is NORADSA国际影视传媒檚 top priority," stated NORAD's release. "For more than 65 years, NORAD aircraft have identified and intercepted potential air threats to North America in the execution of the commandSA国际影视传媒檚 aerospace warning and aerospace control missions."

In their statement, Premier P.J. Akeeagok and NTI president Jeremy Tunraluk, stated "shared priorities for nation-building infrastructure to address CanadaSA国际影视传媒檚 Arctic sovereignty and security needs in Nunavut."

SA国际影视传媒淣unavut stands together with other territories and provinces in opposing any threats to CanadaSA国际影视传媒檚 sovereignty and security,SA国际影视传媒� stated Akeeagok. SA国际影视传媒淲e know whatSA国际影视传媒檚 at stake for the Canadian Arctic and Inuit Nunangat, and we know that Nunavut needs to be united and strategic to respond to the challenges before us.SA国际影视传媒�

The joint release indicated that "heightened geopolitical tensions globally" have resulted in national and international attention to security and sovereignty in the Arctic region. It also emphasized that both these organizations have "roles to protect the rights of and promote the socio-economic well-being of Nunavummiut and Nunavut Inuit respectively."

SA国际影视传媒淚nuit historical and continuous use and occupancy have provided the strongest support for Canadian sovereignty claims in the Arctic,SA国际影视传媒� stated Tunraluk. SA国际影视传媒淚nvestments in infrastructure, food sovereignty, Inuktut and higher education and the formalization of the Canadian Rangers will greatly enhance the security and well-being of the Arctic region. Thriving Inuit communities will ensure perpetual use and occupancy of the Canadian Arctic.SA国际影视传媒�

The NORAD release did not indicate how long the exercise would last nor was there any indication of what sort of vehicles would be involved.