In January 2021, the Department of Navy released their Strategic Blueprint for a Blue Arctic.   The document outlines their plan to prepare for an increasingly available and navigable Arctic Region.  Signed by the Chief of Naval Operations, the Secretary of the Navy and the Commandant of the Marine Corps, it looks forward twenty years and envisions the requirements to protect American interests in the Arctic.

The Arctic Region has one of the world’s smallest oceans, but because of where it is situated, it has the potential for connecting nearly 75% of the world’s population.  When you consider that 90% of all trade travels across the world’s oceans, this can be either a tremendous opportunity or an emerging vulnerability.  Additionally, the Arctic is home to 30% of the world’s undiscovered natural gas reserves, 13% of the global conventional oil reserves and one trillion dollars’ worth of rare earth minerals. And tons of FISH! There is a lot at stake here.

Russia is WAY ahead, with decades of experience in this environment.  They are investing heavily in their northern flank through modernization and infrastructure improvements.  China considers the Arctic a critical link in its One Belt One Road initiative, and is building polar capable cargo vessels, liquefied natural gas tankers and nuclear-powered icebreakers. Both China and Russia have increased their military activity in the region and have made numerous attempts to alter the existing Arctic governance.

This blueprint calls for a three-pronged approach:

• Maintain enhanced presence. The Navy already has a routine presence on, under and above the Arctic, but intends to put more “fleet forward”. Proximity counts. Navy wants to do this by increasing deployments in the Arctic, maintaining regular exercises and operations and enhancing the natural barriers formed by the Arctic littorals through deployments of expeditionary forces.
• Strengthen cooperative partnerships. The blueprint seeks to expand mutually beneficial alliances and partnerships throughout the Arctic, and seeks equitable burden sharing with partners and allies.  It also seeks new partners to combine as a Joint Force that can synchronize their efforts and combine their resources.
• Build a more capable Arctic Naval Force. Being proficient in the Arctic will require an investment in port facilities, airfields and shore infrastructure.  It demands improvements in the C5ISR capabilities of the region.  It depends on improved surveys and sensors to enable the Fleet. This is really the hardest part.  It’s expensive and requires sustained funding.

This is a well written bold plan that outlines the steps needed in the next twenty years to make sure our Naval Force has full access to the Arctic.  I hate to pour cold water on the plan (sorry… couldn’t resist) but it is NOT funded anywhere.  Several Navy Admirals pointed out this discrepancy at the Surface Navy Association Symposium earlier this month.  This blueprint will compete with more exigent requirements, like the Columbia Class Submarine or conforming to JADC2.

About the Author

Chris Ward

Chris Ward (Commander, U.S. Navy (Retired)) has over 30 years of experience helping the Department of Defense (DoD) solve difficult technology requirements. She has a proven track record of building, maintaining, securing and certifying technology solutions for use within DoD. She works with Industry to identify key opportunities and provides strategic guidance and support. She is a strategic analyst and cybersecurity professional who has deep expertise in improving enterprise cybersecurity.