The US Air Force has sent a group of F-35 combat aircraft to the Elson Air Force Base in Alaska as part of a clear change in its strategy towards both the Pacific and the Arctic. Elson Air Force Base is located northeast of the city of Fairbank and 110 miles south of the Arctic Circle. It was not a surprise to send the F-35s, and this was done a few months before the Air Force announced a new strategy for 2020 for the North Pole, according to an article published on the site "The Drive"
The Arctic Strategy of 2020 places additional improvements in its preparation for war in the Arctic in general, in recognition of the growing strategic and military importance of the region. The increasing frequency of melting snow in the region has led to an increase in global competition for its resources and strategic influence in the rapidly changing Arctic region. New waterways have been opened, and the glaciers are now melting, while the water is heating up and its level rising. For this reason, an increasing number of countries are flocking to control appropriate sites in the region.
Accordingly, the US Arctic strategy discusses the need for partnerships, increased training and a comprehensive focus on preparedness to fight in the region. The F-35, which has undergone harsh training, has the technique of observing and linking data at a fleet level to bring new tactical dimensions to the Arctic. It is worth noting that more waterways mean an increase in the presence of marine vessels, and members of the US Congress raised concern that Russia has created many advanced facilities and operating bases.
In fact, Russia does not have more icy sweeps than the US Navy, but is also accustomed to the northern sea lane, which is a long waterway adjacent to the North Pole, which makes Moscow's access to the region easier.
Accordingly, the F-35s are working to deter Russian invasions in the Arctic, in addition to providing a parallel presence in the Pacific Ocean to curb China's ambitions to control new areas.
Interestingly, the Arctic Air Force strategy talks about the presence of support aircraft at the Elson Air Force Base, and adds that extreme weather conditions require specific training, techniques, and combat preparations, "such as using a C-130 support plane with a sled that helps it land on Ice »This aircraft offers new tactical possibilities as it can transport supplies, weapons, equipment and technologies to fortified military bases located in difficult areas. This fits with the missions of the F-35, which will help the fifth-generation air support planes reach difficult combat zones.
Indeed, the Arctic not only opens up new possibilities for combat operations, but also provides naturally, new locations and interests regarding space warfare, and US forces near the Russian border.
"This strategy recognizes the geostrategic consequences of the region and its important role to protect our country," said Air Force Secretary Barbara Barrett while talking about the Arctic strategy. The Arctic, which is one of the most important regions in the world these days, is the primary point from which the US Air and Space Forces can maintain their vigilance »