The Pentagon on Monday announced a new strategy to build up its presence in the Arctic region, which is becoming more contested militarily as climate change drives the melting of sea ice and opens up new passageways. The Defense Department, pushing to counter Russia and China in the Arctic, outlined a new effort that includes a multi-pronged approach: investing in more Icebreaker ships, training forces for the Arctic, investing in regional bases and building out advanced technology for Arctic-based missions such as aircraft and communications infrastructure. Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks, in announcing the new strategy on Monday, said “this new Arctic strategy is an important step forward in ensuring that the Arctic remains stable and secure, now and into the future.” “The strategic can quickly become tactical, ensuring that our troops have the training, the gear and the operating procedures for the unique arctic environment, [which] could be the difference between mission success and failure,” Hicks said at a press conference. “It is imperative that the joint force is equipped and trained with what they need to operate in the Arctic.”

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