The increasing melting of ice in the region increases competition between nations
Washington sends an F-35 to the Arctic to deter Russia
F-35s work to deter Russian intervention in the Arctic and establish a parallel presence in the Pacific Ocean to curb China's ambitions to control new territories. Archives
The US Air Force dispatched a group of F-35 fighters to Eilson Air Force Base in Alaska, as part of a clear change in its strategy towards the Pacific Ocean and the Arctic region. Eilson Air Force Base is located northeast of Fairbank, 110 miles south of the Arctic Circle. The dispatch of F-35s was not surprising, and this was done a few months before the Air Force announced a new strategy for the year 2020 for the Arctic, according to an article published on the "The Drive" website.
The Arctic Strategy 2020 lays out additional improvements to its preparedness for war in the Arctic in general, in recognition of the region's growing strategic and military importance. The increasing rate of ice melt in the region has increased global competition for its resources and strategic influence in the rapidly changing Arctic region. New waterways have opened, and the glaciers are now melting, while the water is warming and rising. Therefore, an increasing number of countries are flocking to dominate favorable sites in the region.
Accordingly, the US strategy in the Arctic, discusses the need for partnerships, increased training, and an overall focus on combat readiness in the region. The F-35, which has undergone extreme-weather training, has the technique of monitoring and linking data at 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.
In fact, Russia does not have more icebreakers than the US Navy only, but rather is accustomed to the Northern Sea Corridor, which is a long waterway adjacent to the Arctic, which makes Moscow's access to the region easier.
Accordingly, the F-35 aircraft are working to deter Russian intervention in the Arctic, in addition to establishing a parallel presence in the Pacific Ocean to curb China's ambitions to control new regions.
Interestingly, the Air Force strategy in the Arctic talks about the presence of support aircraft at Elson Air Force Base, and adds that the harsh weather conditions require specific training, techniques, and combat preparations “such as the use of a support plane (C-130) equipped with a sledge to help it land on the ice. “This aircraft offers new tactical capabilities, as it can transport supplies, weapons, equipment, and technologies to fortified military bases located in difficult areas. This is consistent with the missions of the F-35, which will help the fifth generation air support aircraft to reach difficult combat areas.
In fact, the Arctic not only opens new possibilities for combat operations, but also naturally introduces new sites and interests in relation to space warfare, and US forces close to the Russian border.
Chris Osborne is National Interest's defense issues editor.
Washington’s Arctic Strategy discusses the need for partnerships, increased training, and an overall focus on combat readiness in the region .