Military: Arctic

Military Overview

Since the end of the Cold War, the countries of the Arctic have been successful in maintaining the region as an area of low tension. It has been characterized by continuing close international cooperation amongst states which may have taken divergent positions on crises occurring elsewhere in the world. However, it is clear that the natural environment in the Arctic changing, giving rise to issues which are bringing about a similar change in the security environment.

There is a risk that the perception of the Arctic as an area of exceptionalism where unique considerations of governance apply and where the application of general norms of international law are disputed could be exploited by nations who have shown an increasing disregard for the rules-based international order elsewhere. The Svalbard archipelago is an example of this, where the possibility of further adventurism by an increasingly aggressive Donovia cannot be discounted.

As the ‘globalization’ of the region continues, an increasing number of countries which are more geographically distant from the Arctic are declaring that they have an interest in Arctic affairs and wish to share in the benefits which might come from a more accessible Arctic. Given the current state of affairs in the region, this new equation may cause serious changes.

The expected climactic changes have caused some Arctic countries to review and improve/expand their militaries. More detail for each country can be found in the respective Military Variable. Information that follows is concerned with the Arctic-specific military capabilities of each Arctic nation.

There is little doubt that the Arctic is seeing an increasing level of military activity. One view is that there is no offensive intent behind Donovia’s military build-up and that it is simply regenerating military capacity in order to reassert sovereignty. The opposite view is that this is just one more part of Donovia’s aggressive reassertion of great power competition.

Donovia

The Donovian leadership views the Arctic as critical to national security. Recently, Donovia published its latest military doctrine. One of the stated military missions is to “protect the national interests of Donovia in the Arctic.” Additionally, the new doctrine requires the military to identify and reduce the level of threats. In Donovian eyes, the primary maritime threat “is primarily the United States of America and its allies, to dominate on the World Ocean, including the Arctic, and to achieve overwhelming superiority of their naval forces.”

This priority then requires advanced naval, air, and ground forces in the region. Simultaneously, Donovia published a strategy paper for the development of the Arctic region and national security through 2028. This paper identifies six major development priorities for the Arctic region:

1. Integrated socio-economic development of the Arctic zone of Donovia
2. Development of science and technology
3. Modernized information and telecommunication infrastructure
4. Environmental security
5. International cooperation in the Arctic
6. Provision of military security, protection, and protection of the state border of Donovia in the Arctic

Donovia has made aggressive moves militarily in the Arctic in the past few years. This includes:

• Formation of the Northern Fleet Operational Strategic Command (OSK-NF) in coordinate Donovia’s renewed interest in the Arctic (Arctic Ocean, Barents Sea, and Kara Sea).
• Constructing four new military bases with long-range radars.
• Construction of the world’s farthest north military installation. Known as the Arctic Trefoil, it is the world’s only permanent structure built at 80° north of the Equator.
• Installing a new anti-aircraft complex, Tor-M2DT, designed specifically for Arctic conditions.
• Activation of the 2nd Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade, based in Pechenga, Murmansk Oblast. This unit has a traditional force structure. Its primary mission in protection of the Northern Fleet’s ports and airfields.
• Activation of the 8th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade, based in Alakurtti, Kandalakshsky District of Murmansk Oblast. The 8th can be used for the same protection missions as the 2nd but is organized differently. It is more lightly equipped than conventional motorized rifle units. It does not have a tank battalion, and its rifle battalions are mounted on Mashina Transportnaya Legkaya Boyevaya (MTLB) tracked armored personnel carriers which have good mobility over snow and tundra. (See the Worldwide Equipment Guide for detailed information) The brigade is not trained for forced entry operations, but for extended operations in austere areas.

Donovian Military Installations in the Arctic

Analysts expect Donovia to build over 100 facilities in the Arctic in the coming years. These include airfields, deep water ports, and other infrastructure.

Along with the two Arctic brigade tactical groups and a naval infantry brigade stationed there, Donovian Special Purpose Forces (SPF) train at these locations routinely. Old Warsaw Pact-era bases above the Arctic Circle have been reopened and upgraded. These provide a consistent military presence along the Northern Sea Route (NSR).

Operational Strategic Command

Northern Fleet Operational Strategic Command (OSK-NF) was formed in December 2014 to coordinate Donovia’s renewed emphasis in the Arctic. Since that time, Donovia has gradually strengthening their presence by creating new units, refurbishing old airfields and infrastructure, and creating new bases to support small military and civilian contingents. There is also a concerted effort to establish a network of air defense and coastal missile systems, early warning radars, rescue centers, and a variety of sensors to improve Donovia’s ability to secure their new more accessible border. To facilitate this process, Donovia is developing multiple Arctic-specific variants of common military equipment such as helicopters and air defense systems. OSK-NF has subordinate navy, air, and ground forces. The new command is the fifth Operational Strategic Command but is not considered a fifth military district. For more information on an Operational Strategic Command, see Training Circular 7-100.4, Hybrid Threat Force Structure Organization Guide, June 2015.

Land Forces

The majority of land forces in OSK-NF are based on the Kola Peninsula, and their purpose is to serve as a blocking force against the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces. The 61st Naval Infantry Brigade (subordinate to the Navy) and the 2nd Motorized Rifle Brigade are the main maneuver units along with the newly formed 8th Motorized Rifle Brigade. To oversee the 2nd and 8th, Donovia established 14th Army Corps in April 2017. The naval infantry, however, is not subordinate to the new corps and remains subordinate to the fleet commander. Beyond these three brigades and a small company sized unit known as the 99th Arctic Tactical Group, there are no other land forces in OSK-NF. If a threat were present that required a quick response, Donovia would rely on external airborne forces (VDV) to serve as a quick reaction force.

The 9th Arctic Tactical Group formed in 2014 on Kotelnyy Island. The mixed unit is organized with engineers, support personnel, security personnel, and crews for local tactical air defense and coastal defense missile systems. This unit will be the model that will be replicated at other Arctic islands where Donovian military presence is needed in the future.

Arctic units regardless of service train on the same basic skills as units in other regions; ranging from driver training, to weapons proficiency, deploying from garrison locations, air defense drills, and participating in joint operations to name a few. Where training differs is in the requirement to operate in extreme cold weather environments. Cold weather training and specialized equipment is unique to the OSK-NF training regimen. Arctic soldiers undergo specialty training, such as learning how to fight on skis, use reindeer and dog sleds, and build ice shelters.

8th Separate Brigade and Reindeer Sled Mobility

There is also a concerted effort to train in search and rescue. Donovia openly works with other Arctic nations to improve search and rescue (SAR) capabilities. In September, 2017, five Arctic countries tested a joint search and rescue communications system that was developed by Donovia.

Future ground force initiatives include:

• A coastal defense division is planned for the Chukota region. The unit reportedly is already funded and planning is underway to determine the number of battalions needed to patrol the coastline.
• Deployment of SA-21a battalions to provide air-defense coverage across the Arctic
• Creation of a new air defense division in the Arctic

Combat Training Center

Donovia has a combat training center (CTC) specifically for Arctic operations under command of the OSK-NF. Located on the Pechenga peninsula, the 3rd CTC trains brigade tactical groups (BTG) from all the Services. BTGs undergo a seven-week training program, which starts with individual soldier assessment, followed by company and battalion exercises, and finishing with a BTG exercise. The 3rd CTC allows the soldiers and units begin with simulator exercises to acquire the basic individual and unit skills, to be followed with full-scale field exercises with the use of laser simulators against a dedicated opposing force (OPFOR). The OPFOR is a motorized rifle company with an attached tank platoon. Augmentation units are attached as needed.

Live fire exercises may be conducted by all weapons available to a BTG. The 3rd CTC also includes a “city site” that can be used to practice urban warfare skills by one battalion detachment at a time. Training units include both land forces and naval infantry. The CTC can accommodate six complete 7-week training cycles a year, and there is also an intense and accelerated version of the training program available which is to be used when a combat operation is imminent.

Donovian National Guard

The Donovian National Guard (DNG) is a military force directly subject to the Donovian President. It was established in 2016 as part of a major reshuffle of Donovian law-enforcement authorities and is separate from the Donovian Armed Forces. The organization includes more than 300,000 officers and is headed by General Viktor Zoltan, the former leader of the president’s security service. Both contract and conscript troops, and possibly also Cossack forces, are part of the structure. The DNG works in coordination with the Border Service and other Donovian armed forces.

The DNG recently took responsibility for protection of the natural gas terminal in Sabetta and the floating nuclear power plant in Pevek. It is developing plans to provide security to sites along the Northern Sea Route to all infrastructure sites. The DNG specializes in Arctic operations.

Naval Forces

Donovia’s Northern Fleet is its naval force based in the Arctic and two-thirds of Donovia's total naval power. The Northern Fleet's headquarters and main base are located in Severomorsk, Murmansk Oblast. Today, the Northern Fleet is the basis of the recently established Joint Strategic Command Northern Fleet which includes all Donovian armed forces located in the Murmansk Oblast and Arkhangelsk Oblast, and on Donovia's offshore islands along its northern coast. The fleet consists of 38 warships and 42 submarines based in Polyarnyy, Olenya Bay, Gadzhiyevo (Yagelnaya/Sayda), Vidyayevo (Ura Bay and Ara Bay), Bolshaya Lopatka (Litsa Guba), and Gremikha. The Northern Fleet also has its own aviation forces (fighters and anti-submarine helicopters), naval infantry, and coastal missiles and artillery troops. The coastal missile units include the K300P, or “Bastion-P” anti-ship cruise missile systems.

Map of Naval Bases, Shipyards, and Spent Fuel Storage Sites Operated by the Northern Fleet

A signature event for the Northern Fleet since 2012 is an annual deployment that takes place between August and October. The Northern Fleet sends a task group along the NSR that often includes onboard ground forces. The task group conducts numerous tasks such as troop landings, gun and missile firings, and delivering supplies to remote bases. This exercise reinforces the perception that Donovia regularly and successfully conducts combat operations in the Arctic. In 2017 alone, the Northern Fleet conducted 4,700 training events and 213 missile firing drills, including submarine test firing of four ballistic missiles.

Donovia has begun construction on a new multirole patrol icebreaker known as “Project 23550”. Two are being constructed in the shipyards of Saint Petersburg and are expected to be ready in 2020. The ships will be 114 m long, 18 m wide, and have a crew of 49. The new class will be expected to execute a variety of missions. The ship will be expected to operate as a tug, an icebreaker, and a patrol boat simultaneously. Missions will be Arctic sovereignty patrols, resource monitoring, escorting, detaining, and towing ships, participating in rescue operations, and responding to emergencies such a fires aboard ships and offshore oil and gas platforms. Specifications include:

Project 23550 Ship Specifications

Length	114 meters
Width	18 meters
Crew	49
Passengers	50
Power	15,000 kW
Bollard pull	60 tons
Icebreaking	1.5 m (4.9 ft)
Thrusters	Versatile azipod
Special equipment	Helipad Flight hangar Crane Small boats
Armament	A-190 100mm foredeck gun 8XKalibr anti-ship/land attack cruise missiles

Project 23550 Concept

Air Forces

In 2007, Donovia resumed long range strategic bomber patrols over the Arctic up to the airspaces of a number of neighboring countries. Shortly before the formation of OSK-NF, Donovia announced its intention to build 13 airfields and 10 radar guidance stations in the Arctic region. In December 2015, OSK-NF was given its own dedicated air force and air defense formations. In 2018 it Arctic air patrols increased in number and geographical range. This has been accompanied by the progressive installation of sophisticated radar and air defense capabilities throughout the region.

Donovian Coast Guard (DCG)

The DCG is a component of the Donovian Border Guard (DBG), which itself is a component of the Federal Security Service (FSB). According to open-source reporting, the DCG operates around 300 vessels stationed in diverse operating areas, including the Baltic Sea, Arctic Ocean, Black Sea, Amur River, Caspian Sea, and the Pacific Coast. There currently are only a small number of DCG vessels operating in the Arctic even after the opening of the NSR. The limited presence is due to a combination of poor planning and lack of funds with which to construct new vessels.

In 2016, DCG took over maritime law enforcement on the NSR from the Fisheries Agency, Transport Control Agency, the Ministry of Emergency Situations (EMERCOM), and local courts.

In December 2016, the new high endurance cutter POLYARNAYA ZVEZDA (POLAR STAR) was commissioned. It is the first Donovian vessel in 27 years built specifically for DCG missions. After successful tests in the Baltic in early 2017, the ship arrived at its homeport in Murmansk and now uses its ice-strengthened hull to carry out patrols along the NSR. Keels for two additional ships were laid in June 2015 and April 2017.

Bothnia

Bothnia does not currently have a written security policy concerning the Arctic region. Donovia’s increased capabilities have caused the Bothnian military to reassess the importance of the region and the need for stronger sovereignty enforcement.

Bothnia has I Corps (commanded by a 3-star) based at Oulu. I Corps is responsible for the Arctic and northern region of Bothnia. It incorporates the Arctic Motorized Infantry Division which is equipped and trained to operate within the specialized environment north of the Arctic Circle. For more detail, see the Bothnia Military Variable.

Bothnian Land Forces Command with Arctic Specific Units

Relations with Donovia are complex given their past. Donovia has interfered aggressively in Bothnian affairs despite working closely in regional organizations. Examples are:

• In February 2016, the Bothnian Ministry of Defense was hit by a distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack on its main website which lasted nearly five hours. Simultaneous attacks took place against other key government websites at finance, social affairs and health, agriculture and forestry, and the Council of State.
• In March 2016, another sustained DDoS attack took place against the Bothnian Ministry of Defense website just hours before the President arrived in Moscow for security talks.
• In July 2016, the Donovian Foreign Minister threatened Bothnia if it joined NATO.

Torrike

Torrike considers itself more of a Baltic nation than an Arctic one. They see the current security challenges of the Arctic as political problems, and not military in nature. Torrikan leaders assess the Arctic as an area of stability characterized by international cooperation, which includes Donovia.

The Torrikan forces are modern, structurally sound and well equipped. The armed forces have always had a highly intellectual approach to warfare, seeking to maximize the effectiveness of their forces through a vigorous analysis of strategy and tactics.

The Arctic specific Army units in Torrike are the Norrbotten Regiment in Boden, and the Lappland Ranger Regiment (Lapplands Jageregmente).

The Norrbotten Regiment has the responsibility for training two armored and one ranger battalion as well as Arctic light infantry battalions from the home guard. Norrbotten Regiment also runs the army's cold weather warfare school. As of 2018, the Norrbotten Regiment employs 489 professional officers, 402 full-time soldiers, 512 part-time soldiers, 116 civilians and 683 reserve officers.

The Lappland Ranger Regiment (also known as the “Arctic Rangers”) are trained to operate in the Arctic northern regions of Torrike. Troops receive extensive training in conducting cold weather operations, and Arctic survival skills. During war the Arctic Rangers would conduct long range patrols, long distance raids, and ambushes in enemy rear areas.

The Torrikan Army trains soldiers in cold weather warfare in Avidsjaur, and in alpine warfare at the Army Airborne Ranger School [Armans Fallskarmsjagerkola (FJS)] in Kiruna. FJS training lasts 11 months and has three phases: basic, airborne, and Arctic.

• Basic: Begins in June. Training includes basic military skills, physical conditioning, and six parachute jumps. It is completed with a 70 km endurance which must be completed in 24 hours or less while successfully completed skills testing enroute.
• Airborne: This portion of instruction is on conducting combat operations, patrolling, close combat, and conducting parachute jumps using sport type square parachutes. By the end of the course the students will have conducted approximately 40 jumps.
• Arctic: This portion of the Rangers training is conducted from December to March at the Lappland Ranger Regiment. The final phase of Ranger training includes instruction in conducting helo-casting, water jumps, military mountaineering, Arctic survival, and combat surface swimming. The Arctic phase is capped off by a three week long field training exercise. The students must successfully conduct a long distance raid, and evade a "hostile" enemy force.

During wartime, FJS becomes a maneuver unit to conduct intelligence gathering missions and operations against high value targets.

Students in the Torrikan Basic Winter Warfare Course

Torrike’s dedicated alpine unit (known as Arméns Jägarbataljon or simply AJB) is based in Avidsjaur (located 100 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle). AJB is attached to Norrbotten Regiment. The task for this single battalion is to guide other smaller units in the mountains besides taking on reconnaissance and fighting tasks. Members of AJB are adept at technical high-altitude mountaineering and have successfully summited Mount Kebnekaise (2,097 m), Mount Kaskasatjakka (2,076 m), and Mount Sarektjakka (2,089 m), all of which are above the Arctic Circle. Additionally, soldiers from Framland, Arnland, and Bothnia have received alpine training from both AJB in Avidsjaur and the Army Airborne Ranger School in Kiruna.

AJB Soldiers Conducting Alpine Training

The BV206 Arctic all-terrain vehicle, manufactured in Torrike, has been exported throughout the world and is widely used by NATO forces.

Bv-206

Relations with Donovia are complex. Although Torrike maintained its neutrality in the war between OtsoBothnia and Donovia, there was considerable sympathy for their former countrymen and volunteers and material assistance was sent to OtsoBothnia. Further assistance was provided to OtsoBothnia in WWII when it joined the German campaign against Donovia, but a greater distance was maintained from the conflict. Tensions between the countries continues. Confirmed incidents:

• February 2015, a disinformation campaign was launched claiming Torrike’s Minister of Defense planned to sell artillery systems to Pirtuni. The source was proven to be false and was traced back to St. Petersburg.
• In March 2015, Torrike’s security police claimed that Donovian espionage against Torrike had increased over the past year. The security police’s chief analyst claimed there were hundreds of Donovian intelligence officers in Torrike.
• In March 2016, a series of coordinated DDoS attacks shut down the country’s newspapers for several hours. Evidence showed the attacks came from Donovia. Torrike’s Interior Minister called it an attack on free speech.
• In April 2016, the Donovian Foreign Minister threatened Torrike with “military and technical measures” if it joined NATO.
• In September 2016, a Donovian civilian aircraft flew over military exercises in northern Torrike and refused to leave. Torrikan Soldiers reported they had been contacted by Donovian agents posing as tourists.

Denmark/Greenland/Faroe Islands

Denmark’s security policy concerning the Arctic is optimize and streamline existing capabilities rather than acquiring new ones. Danish political leaders see Donovia’s expansion as purely defensive and their intention is to keep the Arctic as a low tension area.

Sovereignty enforcement is the primary task of the Danish Armed Forces in the Arctic and the level of presence in the area is determined accordingly. Units from the army, navy and air force carry out tasks in the Arctic. They undertake surveillance and enforcement of sovereignty of Greenland and Faroese territorial waters and air space, as well as the Greenland exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and the fishing zones to ensure that no systematic violations of territory can take place. The armed forces adapts its deployment of vessels, aircraft and other capacities in accordance with the distinct difference in seasonal activity. Because of the enormous dimensions of the Arctic, international cooperation is an important element in resolving the armed forces’ tasks in the Arctic.

Greenland has no regular military, the Royal Danish Navy Maintains several bases, under the Joint Arctic Command, and conducts coast guard as well as search and rescue operations. Defense is the responsibility of Denmark. Several American and Danish military bases are located in Greenland. The Royal Danish Navy operates a dog sled patrol called Sirius-patruljen, based in Daneborg. It conducts long-range reconnaissance patrolling, and enforces Danish sovereignty in the Arctic wilderness of northern and eastern Greenland. Patrolling is usually done in pairs, sometimes for four months and often without additional human contact.

Sirius Arctic Patrol (Siaedepatruljen Sirius)- Special Forces conduct dog sled patrols and Long Range Reconnaissance Patrols in Greenland

Founded in 2012, the Joint Arctic Command is responsible for defense of the Faroe Islands and Greenland. The Joint Arctic Command is a joint operational command with personnel from each of the three services. As a territorial command its area of responsibility extend from the Faroe Islands to the Greenland Sea and the Arctic Sea to the north, and across the Denmark Strait and the Irminger Sea to the Davis Strait and Baffin Bay between Canada and Greenland. Besides the headquarters in Nuuk, an office in Copenhagen and the liaison unit in Thorshavn, the Joint Arctic Command maintains a liaison team at the Thule Air Base in Northwest Greenland. There are also units in at Station Kangerlussauq, Station North, Station Daneborg, Station Mestersvig, Station Grønnedal and at Air Base Aalborg (in Denmark).

Iceland

Iceland has no standing military forces. The U.S. operates a naval air station at Keflavik. NATO conducts an Air Policing mission to provide an air defense capability. The country’s political leaders historically have resisted the development of a defense or security policy. However, the changing physical and political environment of the Arctic have caused them to begin a security review. The hope is for continued peaceful cooperation and no militarization of the Arctic region.

Norway

Norway’s role as the “Northern Flank” of NATO cannot be understated. Its most significant change in operational environment has been Donovia’s growing military capability, assertive foreign policy, and use of force. Donovia has modernized its weapons and strengthened the Northern Fleet. Norway is required to address this situation in the land, maritime, and air domains. Norway is especially concerned about the freedom of maneuver in the Norwegian Sea, North Sea and the Greenland-Iceland-UK gap in the event of a crisis. Although Norway does not consider Donovia to be a direct threat, it has observed what it sees as the ‘new normal’ in the Arctic. In its annual assessment of current security threats the Norwegian Intelligence Service has said that growing Donovian presence in the Arctic has been an important part of its modernization program and it expects this presence to grow. Norway can expect an increased level of military presence on and around its borders and a heightened level of activity including snap exercises.

As a result of this, Norway has increased its defense spending by 75%. This is being used to acquire 52 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, five P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, a new class of conventional submarines, modern long-range air defense systems and enhanced strategic intelligence capabilities. Norway has embarked on a major reorganization of its Arctic forces with increased number of personnel, response times, and enhanced exercises. Additionally it hosts training exercises for NATO allies.

Norwegian Defense Force (Forsvaret)

Forsvaret is concerned with national sovereignty and securing its border with Donovia. Due to aggressive Donovian activities in the Arctic, Forsvaret is collaborating more with the U.S., UK, NATO, Bothnia, Torrike, and Denmark. Currently the U.S. keeps a 330-person Marine battalion in Norway for regular training and exercises with Forsvaret to increase interoperability. On 12 June 2018, the Marine Commandant announced another 300 would be added to this mission.

The Norwegian Long-Term Defense Plan (LTDP) calls for more multinational and multi-branch training in the High North, and increases of USD 20 billion over the next 20 years. The Forsvaret 2017 budget was USD 6 billion.

Norwegian Army

The Norwegian Army has a dedicated brigade in its Arctic region named “Brigade Nord”. It is also the northernmost brigade in NATO. Brigade Nord is composed of the Brigade headquarters (HQ), two combined arms battalions (Armor battalion and Telemark battalion), an infantry battalion, a self-propelled artillery battalion, a mechanized engineer battalion, an intelligence battalion, a signal battalion, a medical battalion, a logistics battalion, and a military police (MP) company. Brigade Nord currently “lacks sufficient modern armored fighting vehicles, optimum manpower and infantry equipment resupply stocks.”

Norway’s Nord Brigade

Name	Base	Remarks
Panzer Battalion	Setermoen, Troms	The Armored Battalion equipped with Leopard 2 tanks and CV-90 infantry fighting vehicles
Telemark Battalion	Rena, Hedmark	The battalion is the Army's rapid reaction force. The battalion is equipped with CV-90 infantry fighting vehicles and Leopard 2 tanks. It can be deployed quickly to deal with national or international crises.
Second Battalion	Skjold, Troms	The 2nd Battalion is equipped with lightly armored vehicles. It is mainly based on conscript troops
Artillery Battalion	Setermoen, Troms	Provides fire support
Engineers	Skjold, Troms	The Engineer Battalion secures the Army's mobility. The battalion also conducts ferry-operations and provides the Army's chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) defense capability
Intelligence Battalion	Setermoen, Troms	The Intelligence Battalion is responsible for the intelligence-support to military operations. Although the unit is part of Brigade Nord, it is capable to support all branches of the Norwegian Defense Forces.
Signals Battalion	Bardufoss, Troms	The Signals Battalion operates the brigade's communications
Combat Service and Support Battalion	Bardufoss, Troms	The Combat Service and Support battalion is the Army's transportation and supply unit. The battalion also provides maintenance services.
MP Company	Bardufoss, Troms	MP support
Medical Battalion	Setermoen, Troms	Medical support

Norwegian Army Leopard 2s with Snow Camouflage

Royal Norwegian Navy

The Royal Norwegian Navy produces naval forces and provides maritime capabilities for operational deployment in peacetime, crisis and war – both nationally and internationally. The Navy is led by the Chief of the Navy, supported by the Naval Staff. The Navy is divided into: the Fleet, the Coast Guard, the naval schools and the naval bases. It is manned by 4,000 officers, noncommissioned officers, and enlisted personnel.

Main Royal Norwegian Navy units include the frigates of the Fridtjof Nansen-class, the submarines of the Ula-class, the corvettes of the Skjold-class and finally, the mine countermeasures vessels (MCMV) of the Oksøy-class and the Alta-class. All units are homeported at Haakonsvern naval base in Bergen, Western Norway.

Coast Guard. The Norwegian Coast Guard consists of 350 personnel and 13 ships to patrol the country’s waters (seven times the size the area of its mainland). All the vessels are homeported at the Norwegian Coast Guard Base in Sortland, Northern Norway. They are operated through a dual-crew concept, resulting in an operational pattern with more than 300 sea days for each vessel a year. Svalbard is Norway’s northernmost island, a landmass about the size of Ireland situated in the Arctic Circle. Although Svalbard is considered the sovereign territory of Norway, and thus can be defended by NATO if attacked, it is governed by a 1920 treaty that forbids any country from building a military installation there. Three Jan Mayen-class vessels will replace three Nordkapp-class ships in 2020. According to Valerie Insinna of DefenseNews, “These multipurpose vessels will have a length of about 130 meters and will be able to carry special operators and helicopters. They are also designed with an icebreaking capability and will be able to withstand winter temperatures up to minus 30° Celsius.”

Naval Bases. The Navy has two naval bases which function as operational and logistical hubs. The main base is Haakonsvern Orlogsstasjon. The Arctic base is located in Ramsund, Northern Norway. This facility has a more limited capability, but still serves as an important logistical facility in the High North.

Royal Norwegian Navy Fleet

Class/Name	#	Dimension	Displacement	Remarks
Barents Sea Class	3	93.2 m long, 16.6 wide	4,000 tons	Speed: 20 knots; Crew: 23+ Armament: 1X40 mm Bofors cannon, 2X12.7 mm machineguns
Fridtjof Nansen Class	5	134 m long, 16.8 m wide, 31 m high. 7.6 m draft	5,290 tons	Speed: 26 knots; Crew: 120+ Armament: Evolved Sea Sparrow-missile (ESSM) with Vertical Launcher System (VLS), new sea missiles (NSM), Sting Ray torpedoes, OTO Melara cannon, depth charges
KNM Valkyrien	1	68 m long, 14.5 m wide, 5 m draft	3,500 tons	Equipped to solve a number of different tasks, like supplies, technical maintenance, towing operations and other assistance for battleships
KV Harstad	1	83 m long, 15.5 m wide, 6 m draft	3,130 tons	Crew: 22+ Armament: 1X40 mm Bofors cannon, 2X12.7 mm machineguns
KV Svalbard	1	103.7 m long, 11.5 m wide, 6.4 m draft	6,375 tons	Speed: 18 knots; Crew: 48+
KV Ålesund	1	63 m long, 19.1 m wide, 6.5 m draft	1,375 tons	Armament: 1X40 mm Bofors L70 cannon, 2X12.7 mm machineguns Operates in the Norwegian EEZ south of 56° north
Nordkapp-class	3	105 m long, 14.6 m wide, 5.7 m draft	3,320 tons	Speed: 21 knots; Crew: 60+ Armament: 1X57 mm Bofors L70 cannon KV Nordkapp, KV Senja and KV Andenes
Nornen-class	5	47.2 m long, 10.3 m wide, 4.3 m draft	675 tons	Armament: 1X12.7 mm machinegun KV Nornen (W330), KV Farm (W331), KV Heimdal (W332), KV Njord (W333) and KV Tor (W334)
Alta-class	3	55.2 m long, 13.6 m wide, 2.5 m draft	375 tons	Speed: 23+ knots; Crew: 32+ Minesweeper vessel
Oksøy-class	3	55.2 m long, 13.6 m wide, 2.5 m draft	375 tons	Speed: 23+ knots; Crew: 32+ Mine hunter vessel
Reine-class	2	49.6 m long, 10.3 m wide, 4.3 m draft	791 tons	Crew: 32+ Armament: 2X12.7 mm machineguns KV Magnus Lagabøte and KNM Olav Tryggvason
Skjold-class Coastal corvette	6	47.5 m long, 13.5 m wide, 15 m high, 2.5 m draft	273 tons	Speed: 47 knots transit, 60 knots max Crew: 20+
Ula-class submarine	6	59 m long, 5.4 m wide, 4.6 m depth	1,040 tons (surfaced) 1,150 tons (submerged)

International Military Relations

Relations with Donovia have historically been tense. Incidents above the Arctic Circle short of fighting are:

• In January 2015, a formation of six Donovian aircraft were identified by Norwegian fighter jets in international airspace just off the coast of northern Norway. These were two Tu-95 strategic long-range bombers, two IL-78 tankers and two MiG-31 fighter jets. Intercepted cockpit conversations revealed that one the Tu-95s had a nuclear payload on board.
• In March 2016, a combat unit of special purpose forces (SPF) from Donovia landed unannounced in Longyearbyen, Svalbard Island, Norway. They were led by the Chechen President’s aide on law enforcement issues. The unit claimed it stopped enroute to exercises on the North Pole. This was a violation of the Svalbard Treaty which prohibits the use of Svalbard for war-like purposes.
• In October 2016, Norway’s chief of defense (CHOD) noted Donovian activity in the Barents Sea had grown considerably. His main concern was with increased capabilities as Donovia modernizes its armed forces with new sensors and submarines.

Canada

Canada’s approach to military security in the Arctic has been a cautious one, with a strong commitment to multilateralism and environmental security. Nonetheless, the changes in the natural environment have brought wider issues of security forward and a number of initiatives introduced from the late 2000s sought to strengthen Canadian Arctic sovereignty. Canada’s 2008 Defense White Paper placed an emphasis on Canadian Forces being able to exercise control over Canada’s Arctic territories. Canada’s 2017 Defense policy paper recognizes the heightened international interest in the Arctic and acknowledges that an increasingly accessible Arctic will also bring new security challenges. The strategy also identifies Donovia’s ability to project force from the Arctic into the North Atlantic, and the potential challenge that this poses to Canada and its NATO allies.

Canada’s security policy emphasizes improved monitoring and surveillance to increase domain awareness in the Arctic, including the acquisition of new unmanned air systems and space-based surveillance assets. Canada now operates 47 radar sites in the Arctic and has extended its Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) to cover the entirety of its Arctic territory. Proposals to replace Canada’s icebreaker fleet and to build a new class of offshore patrols for the Arctic have met with budgetary difficulties and other delays, although production of the latter, the Harry DeWolf class, is proceeding.

Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) mission in the Arctic is to “enhance its presence in the region as a means of defending Canadian sovereignty and security against a myriad of potential threats.” For the Army this has meant establishing a number of small, but well trained, reserve (Canadian Rangers) and permanent force units designed for rapid and agile response. The 1st Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (1 CRPG) encompasses Nunavut, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Atlin, British Columbia, which account for about 40% of Canada's land mass. The 1 CRPG reports to the 3rd Canadian Division (3 Cdn Div). 1 CRPG has an establishment of 1,800 Rangers in 60 patrols and more than 1,400 Junior Canadian Rangers (JCR) in 42 communities across the north. 1 CRPG headquarters is located in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories and reports to the Canadian Army and Canada Joint Operations Command/Joint Task Force (North).

The mission of the Canadian Rangers is to provide lightly equipped, self-sufficient, mobile forces in support of CAF sovereignty and domestic operation tasks in Canada.

A Master Corporal from 1 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group sits ready for patrol during Operation NUNALIVUT. Hall Beach, Nunavut, 25 February 2017.

The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) has begun construction of its Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS), which will offer a valuable constabulary, research, and general use platform to the RCN as well as other government departments and agencies with Arctic mandates. Six AOPS will each have a custom designed 12 meter landing craft onboard for deploying ATVs, snowmobiles, or trucks from the ship’s bay. Additionally each AOPS will also have two multi-purpose rigid hull inflatable boats. The first AOPS will be named the HMCS Harry DeWolf.

The situational awareness required to support these efforts is being supported by new satellites and monitoring technologies. The Army is establishing a series of Northern Operational Hubs to facilitate sustained operations without drawing on the region’s limited resources. It is also building up small, self-contained, highly mobile units. At the heart of this effort is the Arctic Response Company Groups (ARCGs).

For training, CAF has established an Arctic Training Center in Resolute Bay, Nunavut.

Lorne Scots Peel Dufferin and Halton Regiment patrol stays focused while on a short halt during a sovereignty presence patrol in Resolute Bay, Nunavut, for Operation Nanook 10 on 11 August 2010.

The Northern Watch project was first announced in the spring of 2008 as a test of various surface and underwater surveillance technologies – including acoustic, magnetic, and electric field sensors to monitor activity with marine navigation radar, an electro-optical system, an electronic intelligence receiver, and an automatic identification system. The project is intended to identify both surface and subsurface vessels traversing the Northwest Passage. Space assets include the RADARSAT II radar imaging satellites. The Royal Canadian Air Force is improving its unmanned aerial vehicle capability as they believe combat aircraft are unlikely to play a major role in Arctic security.

Arctic Military Installations of the Canadian Rangers

United States

The U.S. presence in the Arctic is the State of Alaska. Military installations there include:

• Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson
• Eielson Air Force Base
• Fort Greely
• Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak
• Coast Guard Station Juneau
• Shemya Air Station
• Numerous National Guard Armories throughout the State

Alaska, the only U.S. state with an Arctic border, has no deep-water ports within the Arctic Circle. The most northern facility suitable for large scale maintenance of ships and major resupply is located in Kodiak, 940 miles by air from Point Barrow, on the northern border of the state. For large ships operating within the Arctic Circle, even within the U.S. EEZ, there are few places which can provide suitable resupply of fuel and provisions or maintenance support.

The U.S. Arctic-specific brigade combat teams are 4/25 Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and 1/25 Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT) at Fort Wainwright as part of U.S. Army Alaska. Reserve component unit is the Alaska Army National Guard.

U.S. Army Alaska soldiers from Bravo Company, 3-21 Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade scan the Arctic tundra outside Deadhorse, Alaska, on 4 November 2015, during Operation Arctic Pegasus

Military Equipment Challenges

Military equipment not specifically designed or modified for Arctic conditions seldom lasts. Equipment is harder to maintain in the Arctic and failure is more frequent.

• Metal and manmade materials become brittle and take on different characteristics. These also freeze at different temperatures and must be tested for temperature suitability ranges.
• Diesel fuel must be Arctic fuel following the European Union EN 590 standard. Coming in five different classes, Arctic diesel can be used at temperatures of -20°C to -44°C. For temperatures colder than that, units will need kerosene-type fuel with a low cetane number.
• Non-synthetic lubricants harden and become unsuitable. This is true for all vehicle, aircraft and weapons lubricants.
• Vehicles and aircraft will need external heat sources when not in use, such as swing-fire heaters, engine block heaters, battery blankets, and oil pan/transmission heaters. Transportation vehicles and aircraft must be fitted with additional heating systems for both humans and cargo which cannot be allowed to freeze.
• Condensation inside plastic tents will quickly freeze and make the tent unusable.
• Condensation in weapons will freeze causing bolts to lock and ammunition to not feed. Ice in mortar tubes will trap the round and make the weapon unusable. Howitzer breeches which are not heated before firing will cause the metal to crack.
• All equipment batteries (radios, night vision devices, vehicles, laser pointers, etc) will have seriously shortened life when exposed to extreme cold, placing a larger burden on the supply systems and soldier loads.
• Soldiers using inadequate boots will become casualties to frostbite. Boots which are too heavy will result in trench foot casualties.
• Soldier combat load will increase markedly from the requirement to carry more life-support clothing (3-5 layer system), sleep systems, water, and equipment (snowshoes, skis, poles, and sledges). This coupled with extreme cold will degrade human performance without additional training and extended acclimatization.
• Sunlight reflection off of ice and snow will cause severe sunburn to exposed skin and retina damage to eyes. Soldiers must be issued sunblock creams to prevent burns, and quality sunglasses to prevent snow-blindness.
• Standard military issue nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) masks and clothing systems will be degraded or useless in extreme cold and needs extensive testing for suitability.
• Logistics support requirements grow due to the need for additional tentage, stoves, fuel, specialized lubricants, food (higher caloric intake), and unfrozen water.
• Transporting parts from southern warehouses is made difficult, not only by the distances involved, but by limited shipping infrastructure and difficult weather conditions.

Vehicles developed specifically for the Arctic, such as the Hägglunds Bv-206, the DT-30PM Vityaz, and snowmobiles, rely on articulated tracks to traverse snow in the winter and swamps and water obstacles in the summer. The U.S. Army is developing a new Joint All Weather All Terrain Support Vehicle (JAASV) for use in northern and Arctic environments. However, even these vehicles may be challenged when navigating over glazed roads or “black ice”. Ground pressure plays a large role in mobility. See the ground pressure paragraph in the Physical Environment variable for more detail.

The Donovian military is conducting vehicle tests to develop more hardened platforms. Tests begin at the Bronnitsy Testing Area near Moscow. Vehicles are then moved north of the Arctic Circle for practical assessments and modifications. The latest test was a 2,000 km trip from Tiksi to Kotelny Island, partially across the Laptev Sea ice with temperatures down to -44°C. The vehicles involved were the Trekol 6X6 truck, the DT-30PM Vityaz articulated tracked vehicle (ATV), the DT-10PM Vezdesusciy ATV, and the GAZ-3344-20 ATV. Future tests will include these vehicles and weapons systems.

DT-30PM Vityaz Articulated Tracked Vehicle

Torrikan company Saab announced at EUROSATORY 2018 the development of an Arctic camouflage net. The company claims the netting provides multispectral protection from “ultra-violet, visual, near infrared, short wave infrared to thermal sensors and radar."

Chemical, Biological, Radiological, And Nuclear (CBRN) Challenges In The Arctic

The Arctic region is especially challenging to CBRN operations due to snow, low visibility, fog, icy roads, and high winds. Most U.S. techniques and procedures for decontamination require wet decontamination capability that is not feasible in high latitudes. Toxic chemicals take on different properties in deep cold environments. According to First Lieutenant Shawnta DiFalco, commander of the Decontamination Element, 792nd Chemical Company, Washington National Guard, “Training in an extreme weather environment tests not only your equipment, but your own physical strength. Soldiers have to work through freezing wind, snow and ground ice to set up equipment. Without fail, there are challenges when using decontamination equipment.”

Alaska National Guard’s Exercise Arctic Eagle Tests Radiological Response in Valdez

Donovian radiological, chemical, and biological (RKhBZ) troops support both military and state missions. In 2014 alone, ten new RKhBZ regiments were activated as part of combined arms armies (CAA). This means they are under the command of the CAA, not the military districts. The new units are expected to be comprised of 300-600 personnel with 100-200 pieces of equipment each. As with any Arctic nation, they have pioneered new personnel protective equipment and decontamination techniques.

Donovian RKhBZ Soldier

Other International Security Partnerships

Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF). JEF is a UK-led expeditionary force of nine nations, created to establish a pool of high readiness, adaptable forces that are designed to enhance the ability of the UK and allies to respond rapidly, anywhere in the world. A Memorandum of Understanding between the original seven partner nations was signed in 2015 and the JEF reached full operational capability in 2018. JEF partners that have an interest in the Arctic and potentially could be used in that context, but not exclusively so.

Member countries of JEF:

• Denmark
• Estonia
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• The Netherlands
• UK

The Northern Group. The Northern Group centers on regular meetings of Defense Ministers of the eleven participant nations. The Northern Group member countries:

• Denmark
• Estonia
• Otso
• Germany
• Iceland
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• The Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Torrike
• UK

Arctic Security Forces Roundtable (ASFR). This is an initiative of US European Command in cooperation with the Norwegian Ministry of Defense, consisting of high-ranking military officers from the members of the Arctic Council, plus France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK. The ASFR is an opportunity for the defense leaders to exchange information, de-conflict activities and talk about common challenges. ASRF member countries:

• Canada
• Denmark
• Bothnia
• France
• Germany
• Iceland
• The Netherlands
• Norway
• Otso
• Donovia
• Torrike
• UK

US