The French publication Air Cosmos has analyzed the new area of dispute between the U.S., Russia, and China: the Arctic region. The article claims that the United States is intensifying its strategic focus on the Arctic Circle, driven by its rich energy resources, emerging shipping routes, and increased geopolitical significance.
Pentagon is establishing global strategic axes, including in the Arctic, as the melting ice makes the region more accessible. The Arctic, containing 13 per cent of undiscovered oil and 30 per cent of unexploited gas deposits, also holds crucial minerals like lithium and manganese, essential for renewable energy and high-tech industries. These resources and the opening of new maritime routes make the Arctic a potential hotspot for future conflicts.
The U.S., Russia, and Chinaare all vying for regional influence. With significant Arctic territory, Russia has laid out a strategic plan through 2035, emphasizing protecting its territorial integrity and sovereignty. Although China lacks direct access to the Arctic, it seeks to play a significant role by partnering with Russia to secure a voice in the region's future due to its commercial and mineral interests. The U.S., in response, is bolstering its presence in the Arctic through a multifaceted strategy. This includes enhancing technological and military capabilities, collaborating closely with Arctic nations and local populations, and conducting specialized military exercises.
The U.S. aims to leverage existing infrastructure like NORAD and USNORTHCOM, modernizing communication and network systems to improve NATO's anti-missile capabilities. Military cooperation with allies, particularly those with bases in Alaska, Greenland, Norway, and Finland, is key to this strategy.
The U.S. maintains several bases in the Arctic or nearby, equipped with advanced military hardware and personnel to monitor and secure the region. The opening of new shipping routes due to ice melting facilitates broader collaboration with European military forces, with joint exercises like Arctic Edge and Nordic Warrior already underway.
The Pentagon's current preventive measures focus on sustaining defence infrastructure in the Arctic, reflecting the maxim "Si vis pacem, para bellum" (If you want peace, prepare for war) as the region becomes increasingly contested.
