‘We Are an Arctic Nation’
The Arctic has become a region of increased competition among neighboring and near-abroad nations, with the US, Canada, Russia and other nations proclaiming ‘We are an Arctic nation’ – with good reasons. Foremost, climate change and resultant melting of icesheets are increasing the ability of nations’ shipping and other economic concerns to operate during longer periods in the region. Yet, as nations unilaterally and collectively seek to stabilise the region with increased surveillance, SAR missions, enforcement of fishing and other economic pacts, and completing other commitments, the still harsh, higher latitudes continue to challenge existing C4ISR capabilities. International naval and government representatives updated delegates on the quickly evolving dynamics their nations and government services are contending with and working to overcome.
Russia’s membership in the Arctic Council and Artic Coast Guard Forum and its military engagement in Ukraine have led the main bodies of partner nations to disengage from the organisations – in effect, leading to loss of collaborative maritime governance of the region. While the Council and Forum have been temporarily rendered ineffective, member nations continue to conduct missions in bilateral and multinational contexts. Rear Adm Ewa Skoog Haslum, Chief of Navy, Swedish Navy, noted Sweden continues with 24/7 surveillance of the region, within its capabilities. Similarly, Chris Henderson, Deputy Commissioner, Canadian Coast Guard, said his service and its whole-of-government partners remain engaged with monitoring and responding to their environmental protection responsibilities, and also performing SAR duties.
Naval and coast guard presence remains a vital requirement for regional nations. In many cases, governments are increasing their investment in ice-breakers and other vessels, to allow them to increase their presence through expanded portions of the year and complete essential missions. Adm Linda Fagan, Vice Commandant, US Coast Guard, told delegates her service is benefiting from increased funding for several new ship classes that will certainly see duty in the Arctic: the Offshore Patrol Cutter which will replace the Coast Guard’s fleet of Medium Endurance Cutters (WMECs) that conduct missions on the high seas and coastal approaches, and the procurement of three Polar Security Cutters to provide assured surface presence.
Beyond investments in new platforms and rigorous, faithful commitment to completing missions in the region is another significant trend – an increase in breadth and scope of multilateral training events and activities. To point, last month the USN completed ICE EX 22 in the region. In addition to USN, US Army, USAF, USMC and USCG personnel, the Royal Canadian Air Force, Royal Canadian Navy, and Royal Navy participated.
Operational challenges remain, offering huge opportunities for industry, provided they can overcome the laws of physics and the tyranny of other C4ISR limitations. The USCG’s number two officer noted the unreliability of GPS in the region. Danish Rear Adm Martin la-Cour Andersen, Commander Joint Arctic Command, offered that “constant challenges include communications.”
Marty Kauchak reporting from National Harbor, MD, for MON
