US Updates Arctic Strategy in Response to Sino-Russian Cooperation.

On July 22, 2024, the Pentagon unveiled an update to its Arctic strategy, adopting a "monitor-and-respond" policy to address the growing cooperation between China and Russia and the challenges posed by climate change. This update comes as the region is increasingly viewed as a battleground for global strategic competition.
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A U.S. Air Force F-15 during North American Aerospace Defense Command’s Artic air defense exercise, Amalgam Dart 20-05, August 20, 2020. (Picture source: US DoD)

Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III highlighted the Arctic as a "venue for strategic competition," necessitating an enhancement of American military capabilities in the region. Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen H. Hicks pointed out that the melting ice is creating larger shipping lanes and increasing access to the Arctic. Despite the ongoing war in Ukraine, Russia remains active in the region, and China is asserting itself as a "near-Arctic" nation by promoting the area as a "global commons" to influence Arctic governance in its favor.

The strategy also notes that while Russian and Chinese interests are not fully aligned, the conflict in Ukraine has brought them closer together, leading to increased military cooperation in the Arctic, including more joint exercises. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Arctic and Global Resilience, Iris A. Ferguson, reported that Chinese and Russian warships have been conducting exercises off the coast of Alaska in recent months, prompting the U.S. to keep a "watchful eye." This vigilance is part of an ongoing modernization effort, as the harsh conditions and unique location of the Arctic make maintaining equipment and infrastructure particularly challenging.

To enhance domain awareness in the region, the strategy calls for the Pentagon to invest in new technologies such as improved radars, new satellites, and better communication networks. Hicks has expressed interest in developing new unmanned platforms for domain awareness missions to reduce the operational burden on human personnel in harsh conditions.

Ensuring the durability of these unmanned systems is crucial, whether through longevity or cost-effectiveness, given their consumable nature. This requires extensive research, development, and testing, focusing on exploring the capabilities of unmanned systems. Ferguson noted that many issues affecting manned systems in the Arctic could also impact drones, particularly due to weather conditions and connectivity challenges. The strategy emphasizes testing and research to ensure these platforms can operate effectively.

The Pentagon plans to maintain its current investments in both manned and unmanned ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) platforms for the Arctic while conducting a needs analysis for future unmanned platforms.

To prepare for potential crises in the Arctic, the Pentagon intends to continue regular exercises and develop regional expertise. The strategy includes regular exercises with an Air Force presence, such as Northern Edge by the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Noble Defender by Northern Command, and Arctic Challenge by European Command. These are designed to enhance expertise, in addition to operations like supporting NATO’s Air Policing mission in Iceland and providing airlift and refueling capabilities to U.S. and allied aircraft in the Arctic region.

Air Force leaders have emphasized the need to improve training in the Arctic. In 2023, Major General David S. Nahom, head of Alaskan Command, highlighted training deficiencies during the AFA’s Air, Space, & Cyber Conference, noting that the current training does not adequately prepare personnel for the demanding Arctic conditions.

A unique Arctic capability of the Air Force is its LC-130, equipped with skis for landing on ice. Known as the "Skibird," this fleet has been updated over the years, though some legislators are calling for a renewal after decades of service. Beyond the LC-130, the Air Force maintains a strong presence near the Arctic with F-16 and F-35 fighters, KC-135 tankers, and HH-60 helicopters stationed at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, with plans to expand this fighter presence.

By the 2030s, the United States and its Arctic allies aim to operate over 250 advanced multi-role combat aircraft that could be deployed for Arctic operations. This reflects the alignment of U.S. allies and partners in the region, with the majority expected to deploy the F-35, according to Ferguson.

This updated Arctic strategy underscores the Pentagon's commitment to collaborating with allies and partners to ensure the Arctic remains a secure and stable region where American homeland defense and national interests are actively protected.