NATO plans to enhance defense posture in Arctic amid rising militarization

Europe, News October 25, 2023 , by IRIA No Comments

NATO Allies plan to enhance deterrence and defense posture in the Arctic amid increasing competition and militarization in the region. NATO Military Committee Chair Admiral Rob Bauer warned that the militarization of the Arctic by Russia and China is “concerning” for the Western Allies.

NATO Military Committee chief attended the Arctic Circle Assembly in Iceland on October 20-21, 2023. During his speech, Admiral Bauer said, “The increased competition and militarisation in the Arctic region, especially by Russia and China, is concerning.”

The NATO chair added, “The melting ice in the Arctic is creating new sea routes that would facilitate the movement of large vessels and shorten navigation times. We cannot be naïve and ignore the potentially nefarious intentions of some actors in the region. We must remain vigilant and prepare for the unexpected.”

According to the NATO statement, Admiral Bauer explained the implications of the new Regional Plan North and highlighted that “This plan specifically sees to the Atlantic and European Arctic, and falls under the command of our newest Allied Joint Force Command in Norfolk.”

The growing militarisation of the #Arctic is concerning & #NATO must be ready to expect the unexpected even in #HighNorth. @NATO is stepping up its exercises in the Arctic, beefing up @JFCNorfolk & Allies are increasing their presence. pic.twitter.com/X62RXUFO3q
— Admiral Rob Bauer (@CMC_NATO) October 21, 2023

NATO’s Joint Force Command Norfolk aims to strengthen the Alliance’s force posture to support Arctic operations and provide greater Arctic defense coherence. “This ensures that forces and equipment can flow between the continents in conflict and peace and protects our freedom of navigation,” he added.

While in Iceland, NATO Military Committee Chair Admiral Bauer also met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iceland Bjarni Benediktsson, Defence Chief Jonas Allansson, and former President of Iceland and current Chairman of the Arctic Circle Assembly Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson.

During his meeting with Icelandic Chief of Defense Jonas Allansson, Admiral Bauer commended Iceland for its support and contributions to NATO and said, “Iceland is a smaller nation with a smaller population, but you still contribute meaningfully to our Alliance.”

*^{Chair of the NATO Military Committee Admiral Bauer attended the 10th edition of the Arctic Circle Assembly. (Image Credit: Twitter)}*

The NATO Military Committee chair highlighted that after Sweden joins the Alliance, seven of the eight members of the Arctic Council will be NATO Allies.

Admiral Bauer said, “We are grateful to our Nordic Allies for their enhanced cooperation, investment and vigilance in the region. The Arctic has always had a strategic importance to NATO, and we must ensure it remains free and navigable.”

In his remarks, Admiral Bauer also underscored that “In the last decade, the growing importance of the Arctic has been undeniable, especially due to its natural resources, maritime potential, and strategic location. However, it is also a fragile ecosystem on the planet and has been suffering from the effects of climate change.”

“Bringing experts from a variety of fields together to share ideas, studies, and discuss the varying interests in the region, hopefully, helps leaders make better choices and builds understanding,” Admiral Bauer added.