斯德哥尔摩国际和平研究所-Military-capabilities-in-the-Arctic_16页_663kb

Summary of Military Capabilities in the Arctic

I. Introduction

Climate change is increasing accessibility to the Arctic region, raising concerns about future conflicts. The five Arctic littoral states—Canada, Denmark, Norway, Russia, and the United States—have all emphasized Arctic security in their defence policies. Canada, Denmark, and Russia have significantly enhanced their military presence and capabilities in the Arctic, while Norway has also increased its focus. The United States, however, has placed less emphasis on Arctic security compared to the others. This paper outlines the current and planned military capabilities of each country for Arctic operations.

II. Canada

• Core Policy: Canada's Arctic sovereignty is a key focus under the Canada First Defence Strategy (2008–2028) and the Northern Strategy (2009).
• Air Capabilities:
  • Operates 18 CP-140 (P-3C) ASW aircraft, with plans to replace them with 10–12 F-35 JSFs by 2020.
  • 80 F/A-18s are stationed in southern Canada and deployed to the Arctic for intercepting Russian aircraft.
  • 7 tanker aircraft support Arctic operations.
  • Acquired C-130J and C-17 transport aircraft, and plans for 17 new search-and-rescue aircraft.
  • The Polar Epsilon project uses RadarSat-2 satellite data for Arctic surveillance, with two military ground stations operational by 2011 and two additional satellites planned for 2014–15.
• Land Capabilities:
  • The Canadian Rangers, a lightly armed paramilitary force, is expanding from 4100 to 5000 personnel by 2012.
  • Increased cold weather training and equipment for land forces.
  • A special regular army unit for Arctic operations is planned.
  • A new Arctic training base established in 2007 at Resolute Bay.
• Sea Capabilities:
  • 15 major surface warships and 4 conventional submarines are capable of Arctic operations.
  • No ice-strengthened warships currently in service.
  • Plans for six to eight Arctic offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) and one new icebreaker for the Coast Guard by 2017.
  • A new icebreaker named after John G. Diefenbaker is planned.
  • The Nanisivik base on Baffin Island is being expanded to include naval facilities.

III. Denmark, including Greenland

• Core Policy: The 2009 Danish Defence Agreement and 2011 Arctic Strategy highlight the growing geostrategic importance of the Arctic.
• Air Capabilities:
  • Three unarmed maritime patrol aircraft operate in the Baltic and off Greenland.
  • F-16s have been used in the past for operations in Greenland.
  • Plans to deploy F-16s to Greenland have been discussed.
  • The Thule Air Base is being considered for renewed use.
• Land Capabilities:
  • The Frømandskorps (special forces) has an Arctic role.
  • The Slædepatrulje Sirius, a sledge patrol unit, operates in Greenland.
• Sea Capabilities:
  • Three frigates (soon to be five) and four Thetis class OPVs are capable of operating in Arctic waters.
  • Two Knud Rasmussen class OPVs are dedicated to Greenland patrols, with a third planned for 2017.
  • A large support ship is planned for 2015 to increase range for Arctic operations.
  • A research ship with electronic and signals intelligence capabilities is in service.

IV. Norway

• Core Policy: The 2007 Soria Moria Declaration prioritizes the Arctic, with a focus on Russia and security in the region.
• Air Capabilities:
  • 60 F-16s are based in Bodø, with plans to replace them with 56 F-35s by 2018.
  • Six P-3C maritime patrol aircraft are the main Arctic assets, though they are over 20 years old and not yet replaced.
• Land Capabilities:
  • Brigade Nord, the largest active unit of the Norwegian Army, is stationed north of the Arctic Circle and is winter-trained.
  • Plans to reduce the size of the brigade from two to one battalion.
• Sea Capabilities:
  • The Royal Norwegian Navy has upgraded to the Fridtjof Nansen class frigates, which are more capable in Arctic conditions.
  • Six Ula class submarines are also suited for Arctic operations.
  • A new large support ship is planned for 2015.
  • Four Mistral class amphibious ships, ordered from France, will be deployed to the Pacific and Northern Fleets.

V. Russia

• Core Policy: Russia's Arctic State Policy (2008–2020) emphasizes resource exploitation and territorial claims.
• Air Capabilities:
  • 100 navy-operated long-range Tu-22 bombers and Tu-142/Il-38 reconnaissance aircraft operate in the Arctic.
  • Regular Arctic missions resumed in 2007.
• Land Capabilities:
  • Naval infantry and an army brigade are stationed on the Kola Peninsula.
  • Plans for a special Arctic brigade were announced in 2009, with the first unit unveiled in 2011.
  • The exact status and structure of these forces remain unclear, with plans still under development as of 2011.
• Sea Capabilities:
  • The Northern Fleet is the main force, with icebreakers like the 50 Let Pobedy and Project 97 icebreakers.
  • The Border Guard Service operates armed icebreakers in the Arctic.
  • Russian SSBNs are becoming more active, operating under and near the Arctic ice.
  • Modernization of older SSBNs and construction of new ones are underway.
  • The Mistral class amphibious ships are expected to enhance power projection capabilities.

VI. The United States

• Core Policy: The Arctic is mentioned in the 2009 Arctic Policy and the 2009 Arctic Roadmap, but not as a central focus in broader national security or military strategies.
• Air Capabilities:
  • No Arctic-specific aircraft are currently deployed, with limited range and no tanker support for F-16 and F-35 aircraft.
• Land Capabilities:
  • No specific Arctic-focused land forces are mentioned.
• Sea Capabilities:
  • The US Coast Guard is increasing readiness for Arctic operations, including base establishment and training.
  • No dedicated Arctic command or separate military force is planned.
  • Operations are limited to small-scale summer deployments and outreach efforts.

Key Findings

• All five Arctic littoral states have increased their military presence and capabilities in the region due to climate change and resource interests.
• Canada, Denmark, and Russia have made more substantial investments and strategic moves in the Arctic.
• Norway has also strengthened its capabilities, including new ships and training.
• The United States has not prioritized Arctic security as much as the others, with limited current military assets and no formal Arctic command.
• Military confidence-building measures may be necessary to mitigate potential tensions in the region.