How the Hedgehog Became NATO's Unofficial Symbol of Defense (nato.int)

• Eisenhower first referenced hedgehog defense in January 1951.
• Denmark's Atlantic Association adopted hedgehog badges in July 1951.
• NATO's hedgehog mascot at Expo 2025 and Exercise Hedgehog 25 in Estonia.

"The hedgehog has been NATO's unofficial mascot since 1951, when Eisenhower used the 'hedgehog defense' metaphor. Denmark adopted it for the Atlantic Association that year. In 2025, NATO used a hedgehog mascot at the Osaka World Expo and conducted Exercise Hedgehog 25 in Estonia. The hedgehog represents peaceful deterrence."