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.”[:File:///X:/CTID/0D-PROJECTS/DATE-Europe/Most Current Drafts/Arctic PMESII-PT/Arctic Military.docx# edn1 [i]]

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 200th 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.

Figure M-1. 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.

Figure M-2. 8th Separate Brigade Training in 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.

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.

Figure M-3. 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

Figure M-4. 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.

Figure M-5. Bothnian Land Forces Command

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.

Figure M-6. Students in the Torrikan Basic Winter Warfare School engage targets during an ambush during the field training exercise in Avidsjaur

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.

Figure M-7. 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.

Figure M-8. BV206. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Helen Miller.

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.

Figure M-9.

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.

[:File:///X:/CTID/0D-PROJECTS/DATE-Europe/Most Current Drafts/Arctic PMESII-PT/Arctic Military.docx# ednref1 [i]] Anna Davis, Translator. “Fundamentals of the State Policy of the Russian Federation in the Field of Naval Operations for the Period Until 2030.” Russia Maritime Studies Institute. U.S. Naval War College. 2017.