NATO unprepared for Arctic warfare, expert warns
NATO countries are not adequately equipped to fight in the Arctic, according to security and defense expert Minna Ålander. While Finland is preparing for the possibility of war on its border with Russia, the rest of Europe is ill-prepared for conflict in the region.
Ålander, a Non-resident Fellow with the Transatlantic Defence and Security Program at the Centre for European Policy Analysis, highlighted the lack of training and equipment for Arctic warfare among NATO allies. She noted that even the United States, a major military power, lacks the necessary capabilities for operating in such extreme conditions.
"Not all NATO allies have the capabilities that are needed and that work in the Arctic environment and climate," Ålander said. "It has very specific sort of requirements on simple things when it's very cold."
She added that Finland and Sweden's accession to NATO addresses one of the alliance's biggest weaknesses. Their membership bridges the gap in alliance territory between Norway and the Baltic states, creating a more cohesive defense strategy from the Baltic Sea to the North Atlantic and the Arctic.
Oscar Rosengren, from intelligence firm Grey Dynamics, described the challenges of Arctic warfare in a guide. He emphasized the logistical difficulties and harsh conditions, including freezing temperatures and extreme weather.
"Conventional masses of soldiers lack adequate training," Rosengren said. "Such negligence will inevitably bring fatal consequences."
NATO recently deployed to Finland for Exercise Dynamic Front 25, rehearsing plans for a potential conflict with Russia in the region. Elements of the British Army also regularly exercise in the Arctic, with specialized forces like the Royal Marines trained for sub-zero conditions.
13 Comments
Jordan
We need to stop seeing Russia as an enemy and start building a more cooperative relationship. Dialogue, not military build-up, is the way forward.
The Truth
The Arctic is becoming increasingly important strategically and economically. Ensuring its security is vital to protecting our interests.
Answer
Balancing environmental protection with security concerns is important, but we cannot afford to be naive about the potential threat Russia poses.
The Truth
Military exercises like Dynamic Front 25 are essential to ensuring that NATO forces are ready to respond to any threat.
Eugene Alta
This is a wake-up call for Europe. We can no longer rely on the US for our security. We need to invest in our own defense capabilities, including in the Arctic.
Leonardo
While diplomatic efforts are important, we also need to be prepared to defend ourselves. A strong deterrent is the best way to prevent conflict.
Mariposa
Investing in our defense is not about warmongering, it's about ensuring that we have the tools we need to keep our citizens safe.
Bella Ciao
Instead of wasting money on preparing for a mythical war in the Arctic, NATO should be focused on tackling the real threats we face, like climate change and poverty.
Habibi
Finland and Sweden joining NATO is a positive development. They bring valuable experience and capabilities to the alliance.
Africa
The Arctic is a fragile environment. Military exercises and increased military presence will damage this pristine region.
Muchacho
This is all about the US trying to exert its dominance in the Arctic and grab its resources. It's not about security, it's about greed.
Comandante
It's irresponsible for NATO not to be prepared for conflict in the Arctic, especially considering Russia's aggression in the region. We need to deter any potential aggression.
Mariposa
This just proves that NATO is an outdated organization stuck in the Cold War. It's time for a new security architecture in Europe that focuses on cooperation, not confrontation.