On July 22, the Pentagon unveiled the National Strategy for the Arctic Region 2024.
The Pentagon’s new Arctic policy calls for more advanced equipment for “monitoring and responding.”
Strengthening the technological arsenal and infrastructure of Joint Forces in the Arctic is critical to the US Department of Defense’s new strategy for operations in this complicated and quickly changing environment.
The Arctic strategy seeks to steer military actions as they respond to unfolding and intensifying geopolitical and geophysical shifts in the security environment, particularly in and around the US, Alaska, and allied hubs in the Far North.
The document states that this strategy outlines a series of targeted steps for the Department of Defense to ensure that the Arctic does not become a strategic blind spot. These steps aim to improve the department’s ability to monitor events in the Arctic and, when indicated, respond individually to national security threats alongside its interagency and international partners.
The strategy directs a series of activities along three broad lines:
- Enhancing the Arctic capabilities of Joint Forces and increasing awareness of this domain;
- Engaging with allies, partners, and key stakeholders;
- Establishing an individual presence in the region independently and jointly with NATO and other countries.
The first line of effort involves a variety of technologies that US military officials believe should be prioritized for innovation and expansion in the Arctic.
The document states that the Department of Defense should develop early warning capabilities, discrimination sensors, tracking sensors, command, control, communications, computers, cybersecurity, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C5ISR) capabilities, an enhanced understanding of the electromagnetic spectrum, and sensing and forecasting capabilities.
Regarding comprehensive awareness and missile attack warning systems, the policy asks the Pentagon to study possibilities for improving ground-based sensors to complement and augment NORAD’s existing capabilities.
Pentagon personnel are also tasked with exploring additional ideas for new space-based missile warning and surveillance systems with larger polar coverage.
In addition to maintaining investments in manned and unmanned aerial systems to ensure air and maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, the strategy directs the Department of Defense to assess the need for future unmanned platforms capable of operating in the Arctic.
During a press briefing presenting the new policy, Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks stated that as the Pentagon rapidly deploys artificial intelligence and autonomous capabilities across its enterprise, the Arctic is an “ideal territory” for testing various applications. She said this also includes a clear area where the Pentagon can apply some of what it is doing in the defense department.
According to Kathleen Hicks, the Department of Defense is pouring substantial resources into the research, development, and testing of unmanned systems. She underscored that programs such as Replicator are prepared to expedite the deployment of beneficial capabilities, even as exploring potential applications continues. Hicks observed that artificial intelligence is particularly well-suited for improving situational awareness using data analysis and pattern recognition. She thinks that the utilization of AI, either in conjunction with other technologies or independently, can result in more efficient and effective decision-making in military settings.
The Pentagon is also encouraged to invest in satellite technology to improve tactical and strategic communications, particularly above 65 degrees north latitude.
Officials are also told to work with allies and partners to improve the data coverage and capabilities of the more than 250 modern multi-role fighter aircraft that NATO expects to deploy for Arctic operations by the 2030s.
The strategy also states that the armed forces’ weapon systems and equipment should be fitted or modified to the Arctic’s standards and conditions, where tasks must be completed in extremely cold temperatures, often -50 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
Therefore, the document states that services must ensure the adequacy of their Arctic equipment (considering both male and female personnel) to conduct appropriate Arctic operations in line with their own Arctic strategies.
The new document also details updated strategic plans for how the Department of Defense components should interact with military partners in the region in the future. It highlights specific joint exercises that will help implement these efforts.
The plan “aligns and fits into” the 2022 US National Security and National Defense Strategies and the National Strategy for the Arctic Region published in the same year.
It is also expected to build on previous Pentagon directives and execute them so that components adopt a “monitor and respond” approach to maintaining regional stability.
Addressing mounting concerns, the new policy reflects the US Department of Defense’s realization that the region may see its first practically ice-free summer by 2030.
The strategy states that the loss of sea ice will increase the viability of Arctic maritime transit routes and access to underwater resources. However, increased human activity will heighten the risk of accidents, miscalculations, and environmental degradation.
The document also warns that China is working to expand its influence and activities in the Arctic, such as through experiments with testing unmanned underwater vehicles and fixed-wing aircraft capable of operating in polar conditions.
At the same time, Russia poses a nuclear, conventional threat, and special operations threat. The strategy notes that it seeks to conduct destabilizing activities at lower levels in the Arctic against the US and allies, including GPS jamming and military operations.
During a press briefing following Hicks’ address, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Arctic and Global Resilience Iris Ferguson stated that the US Department of Defense has noticed a “surge” in Chinese-Russian military cooperation in the Arctic over the last few years.
Ferguson asserts that there is evidence of heightened collaboration between Russia and China in the Arctic region. This collaboration is exhibited in various ways, such as executing diplomatic agreements between their respective coast guard forces. In addition, Ferguson observed that these two nations are undertaking joint military exercises in the Arctic for the first time, indicating a new level of strategic partnership in this geopolitical region that is becoming increasingly significant.
While the strategy does not specify urgent next steps and does not include an implementation plan, it does state that the Deputy Secretary of Defense for Policy would draft policies for the whole Department of Defense to build sustainable advantages in the Arctic.
Ferguson underscored the importance of formulating a comprehensive strategy to protect American interests in the Arctic and provide soldiers with the necessary resources for regional operations. She emphasized that the US Department of Defense is implementing measures to improve its regional capabilities and presence. Ferguson described endeavors to enhance the living conditions of military personnel stationed in the Arctic, recognizing the harsh conditions. She announced that all military personnel in Alaska would receive cold weather incentive compensation and be able to purchase specialized gear to accommodate the harsh environment as part of this initiative, which will commence in the summer. The objective of these measures is to confront the distinctive obstacles associated with Arctic service and to illustrate the Pentagon’s dedication to assisting its personnel in this strategically significant region.
Ferguson’s team is currently conducting evaluations of potential infrastructure upgrades that may be necessary for Department of Defense assets in the Arctic. This evaluation is being driven by the swiftly changing climate conditions of the region. Additionally, she observed advancements in numerous service-related domains. Ferguson cited an example of a large Space Force investment of approximately $1.8 billion in an advanced payload system. This system, which is intended to revitalize the polar satellite network, which is uniquely placed on Norwegian satellites. Ferguson expressed optimism regarding its probable deployment in the near future, even though the launch was initially scheduled for a few weeks prior. She underscored the historical significance of this project, which represents the initial occurrence of a US payload being deployed on a satellite of an allied partner, thereby establishing a new standard of international collaboration in space-based Arctic operations.
Icebreakers
The new approach comes as the US, Canada, and Finland reach a new strategic pact to develop icebreaker ships.
According to the policy, NATO’s newest members, Sweden and Finland, are Arctic nations with substantial experience in the region and shipbuilding that protects their ports from ice, which would normally impede most boats.
The strategy states that NATO Arctic allies have highly capable armed forces and, through years of cooperation, possess high operational compatibility. NATO expansion, alongside increased Nordic defense cooperation, will create new opportunities for joint planning, information sharing, and exercises that will expand regional cooperation.
During the strategy’s presentation, Hicks underscored the importance of Finland and Sweden’s membership in NATO. She remarked that this historic accession not only strengthens the alliance but also enhances the security of these nations, particularly in the Far North. Hicks reiterated the dedication to ongoing joint training and exercises, which she believes will enhance deterrence, enhance cooperation, and guarantee collective security in the Arctic region.
Global warming, which leads to rapid ice melting and, in turn, opens up new useful maritime and trade routes that countries like Russia have already been eyeing for their purposes, is a key reason for the growing international interest in the Arctic in recent years.
Bill Blair, the Canadian Defense Minister, stressed the Arctic’s growing accessibility due to climate change during his speech at the NATO anniversary summit. He expressed apprehension regarding the potential future ramifications of this trend, positing that the Arctic Ocean could become a significant transit route between Europe and Asia by 2050 if current trends persist. Blair underscored the necessity of heightened attention and preparedness in Arctic defense strategies, as this increased accessibility is expected to result in more significant security challenges for the region.
Canada, the US, five other NATO allies—Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden, and Norway—and Russia are members of the Arctic Council, an international forum that these countries use to resolve disputes regarding the Arctic.
Despite rising temperatures, ice remains one of the greatest dangers for any vessel transiting the region. With this in mind, during the NATO summit in early July 2024, US President Joe Biden, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb signed a new strategic agreement, the ICE Pact. The agreement promises that the trio of countries will work together to create new heavy weapons and icebreaker ships.
While the specifics of the agreement have yet to be revealed, the signing trio combines two countries with extensive experience in designing, building, and operating icebreakers—Finland and Canada—with the US, which has a small icebreaker fleet but a significantly larger industrial base and budget to accelerate shipbuilding development.
The Coast Guard operates the US icebreaking fleet, which consists of only three ships. One of them is effectively out of operation due to the high costs of getting it back to service. Meanwhile, Canada and Finland own between six and a dozen icebreakers. Canada is recapitalizing its fleet, while the Finns are known for producing most of the icebreakers operating worldwide.
Iris Ferguson enthusiastically endorsed the US Coast Guard’s initiative to enhance its icebreaking capabilities. She emphasized acquiring three polar security cutters. She also mentioned that her organization closely monitors the recently announced partnership between the US, Finland, and Canada for collaborative icebreaker building. Ferguson emphasized the importance of this international collaboration, proposing that it be pursued more extensively in the future. She emphasized the substantial expertise and capabilities that Arctic nations contribute to these collaborative endeavors, acknowledging their distinctive position and experience in navigating Arctic conditions.
Air Force
The strategy emphasizes frequent exercises with an Air Force presence, such as Indo-Pacific Command’s “Northern Edge,” Northern Command’s “Noble Defender,” and European Command’s “Arctic Challenge,” as strategies to develop this competence. It also emphasizes activities such as helping NATO’s air policing mission in Iceland.
Simultaneously, the aim is to ensure air transport and refueling capabilities for US aircraft and those of friends and partners in the Arctic region.
Air Force chiefs have repeatedly underlined the need for improved Arctic training. Lt. Gen. David S. Nahom, commander of Alaskan Command, raised this concern during the AFA’s Air, Space, and Cyber Conference in 2023.
Perhaps the Air Force’s most unusual Arctic capability is its LC-130, which is outfitted with skis for ice landings. The Skibird fleet has had minor modifications over the years, but some MPs are pressing for the aircraft to be recapitalized after decades of service.
Beyond the LC-130, the Air Force has a significant presence in the Arctic, with F-16 and F-35 fighters, KC-135 tankers, and HH-60 helicopters stationed at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska and the Pentagon. According to the strategy, fighter presence would continue to increase.
The document asserts that the US and its Arctic allies will be equipped with over 250 current multi-role combat aircraft capable of being deployed for Arctic operations by the 2030s.