Canada to increase presence in Arctic due to Russian threat

The new doctrine states that Canada must increase its military and diplomatic presence in the Arctic to counter threats from Russia and other countries seeking to gain a foothold in this strategic region.

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The government has announced the deployment of new patrol ships, naval destroyers, icebreakers and submarines capable of operating in the region, as well as an increase in the number of aircraft and drones. Together with the United States, Canada plans to modernise its continental defence, including the installation of new maritime sensors and satellites to monitor northern approaches.

The document notes that Ottawa has previously tried to navigate the Arctic in cooperation with other states, avoiding military competition.

"However, the barriers that have prevented conflict are increasingly under serious pressure," Foreign Minister Melanie Jolie said during a press conference. She noted that the Arctic is no longer a low-tension region, accusing Russia of escalating conflicts in the region and intensifying geopolitical rivalries.

She added that Russia is stepping up cooperation with China, which is also seeking to gain more influence in Arctic governance. The rate of global warming in the Arctic is four times higher than the global average, opening up new opportunities for shipping and the development of natural resources, including oil, gas and minerals. However, according to Defence Secretary Bill Blair, this also increases security threats.

The doctrine notes the growth of Russian activity near North American airspace. In particular, it calls Russian weapons tests and the deployment of missile systems in the Arctic capable of hitting targets in North America and Europe "deeply disturbing".

Canada also accuses China of using dual-use vessels to collect data in the region. In response, Canada is tightening control over foreign research in the Arctic and plans to deepen cooperation with Japan and South Korea.

Additionally, an ambassador to the Arctic will be created and consulates will be opened in Alaska and Greenland. This is part of Ottawa's efforts to resolve the border dispute with the United States in the Beaufort Sea and to finalise an agreement with Denmark on the division of Hans Island.

As a reminder, in 2022, Canada and Denmark agreed to establish the first land border between Canada and Europe by dividing a small, uninhabited island in the Arctic.

Source: The Defence Post