The United States is focusing on the Arctic and it’s strategy, a region becoming more crucial due to climate change and strategic competition. Recently, Amanda Dory, Acting Undersecretary of Defense for Policy, shared insights on the Department of Defense’s (DOD) updated strategy at the Wilson Center. Here’s a look at the new strategy and its implications for the Arctic.
The New Arctic Strategy
On July 22, Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks announced a new strategy for the Arctic. Amanda Dory emphasized that while the announcement is exciting, the real challenge is putting the strategy into action. “The strategy release is exciting, but it’s the implementation that shows real results,” she said. This effort involves not just the military but also interagency partners and U.S. allies.
Why the Arctic Matters
The Arctic is changing fast. It’s warming three times quicker than the rest of the world, which is melting ice and altering the environment. This shift is increasing human activity in the region, including actions by U.S. competitors.
Russia, with its huge Arctic land, has been building up its military there. This is really important for Russia’s defense plans. China is also interested in the Arctic because it wants to use its resources and have more say in the region. Russia and China have even done joint naval patrols, which the Department of Defense is keeping a close eye on.
Opportunities with New NATO Allies
The recent addition of Finland and Sweden to NATO offers new opportunities. Dory highlighted that these countries can help deepen collaboration on Arctic security. Their inclusion strengthens the alliance’s efforts to maintain stability in the region.
Key Goals of the Strategy
The updated strategy has three main goals:
1. Enhance Domain Awareness and Capabilities: This involves daily operations and investments in the Arctic to improve the ability to operate there effectively.
2. Engage with Allies and Partners: Cooperation with allies and partners is crucial for strengthening defense and deterrence in the region.
3. Exercise a Calibrated Presence: The strategy includes a plan for maintaining a balanced and effective presence in the Arctic.
Strengthening Alliances
The U.S. benefits from a network of capable allies in the Arctic. Canada, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Finland, and Sweden bring valuable regional knowledge and capabilities. This collective effort helps in monitoring and responding to challenges in the Arctic.
The U.S. Marine Corps has set up combat gear in Norway so they can respond quickly if needed. They’ve also increased the number of times they send patrol planes to Iceland to keep a better watch over the area. Plus, the U.S. takes part in Arctic exercises and has made defense deals with Sweden, Finland, and Denmark.
Future Collaborations and Innovations
The U.S. is teaming up with Arctic allies on various projects. For instance, they’re working with Norway on a new Arctic satellite that will improve communication in the region. The U.S. and Canada are also updating their defense systems, including the North American Aerospace Defense Command. Both countries use advanced jets and patrol planes, like the F-35 and the P-8 Poseidon, which work well together with their allies.
Future plans include more joint research and development of Arctic capabilities. The DOD will also seek to enhance intelligence and information sharing to maintain a shared understanding of threats in the region.
Supporting U.S. Efforts
The U.S. is also focusing on strengthening its own capabilities. The Coast Guard’s icebreaking program is essential for interoperability between Coast Guard and Navy vessels and for maintaining a U.S. presence in the Arctic. The recent collaboration with Canada and Finland on icebreaker production highlights the potential for collective innovation among Arctic allies.
In summary, the new Arctic strategy reflects a comprehensive approach to addressing the region’s evolving challenges and opportunities. With strong alliances and a clear focus on enhancing capabilities, the U.S. aims to maintain stability and safeguard national interests in the Arctic.