Laurie Hawn and Phil D’Eon: Canada’s Arctic – Defend It Or Lose It
After learning about China’s bold interference in Canadian elections or witnessing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, is there any doubt that these two superpowers won’t hesitate to use force to defend their interests?
They are interested in its natural resources. The Arctic is assessed to hold 22% of globally undiscovered petroleum resources and immense diamond, gold, base metals, and iron ore deposits. Russia has the military capability to back up those interests. Its military expansion in the Arctic includes refurbishment of 13 air bases, 10 radar stations and 30 other facilities. Their Arctic Brigade and Northern Fleet regularly deploy to the region with the support of 40 heavy icebreakers and Russia has laid claim to a chunk of the Arctic seabed within 200 nm of Canada’s coastline.
To be fair, Canada is doing something – just not enough. The NORAD agreement was updated in 2006 to include maritime surveillance and warning. Canada’s surface and sub-surface capabilities are critical to operating alone or with our Allies. The deep-sea refueling facility at Nanisivik on Baffin Island was announced in 2007 and may be open in 2025. That should be made available to our Allies within a cost-sharing arrangement.
Arctic land bases are expensive to build and maintain with a permanent personnel establishment. Nevertheless, we must demonstrate the ability and resolve to deploy with force and exercise that capability.
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