Lloyd J. Austin III Secretary of Defence | Official website
The Department of Defense (DoD) has released its 2024 Arctic Strategy, marking the first update to its approach to the region since 2019.
"The Arctic region of the United States is critical to the defense of our homeland, the protection of U.S. national sovereignty, and the preservation of our defense treaty commitments," stated Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks. "Our Arctic strategy will guide the Department's efforts to ensure that the Arctic remains a secure and stable region."
The strategy outlines steps for collaboration with allies and partners to maintain security and stability in the Arctic while defending U.S. national interests. It builds on guidance from the 2022 National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy, and National Strategy for the Arctic Region.
"This strategy is very action-oriented, which distinguishes it from previous Arctic Strategies," said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Arctic & Global Resilience Iris Ferguson. "We unpack where we need to sustain our investments, especially in critical capabilities. What do we have to see? How do we communicate? Do we have the right equipment to operate in the region? My office exists to champion these capabilities, which are vital to the successful implementation of our strategy."
The DoD acknowledges rapid changes in both strategic and physical aspects of the Arctic. The People's Republic of China seeks increased access and influence in the region, while Russia remains an acute threat despite its losses in Ukraine. These competitors are increasingly collaborating in ways that impact U.S. security interests. Additionally, Finland and Sweden's decision to join NATO brings new opportunities for cooperation among like-minded Arctic states.
Climate change also plays a significant role as it accelerates warming in the Arctic, opening up more human activity.
To address this dynamic environment, DoD will adopt a "monitor-and-respond" approach supported by domain awareness cooperation with allies and partners and backed by its global deployment capabilities. The execution plan includes three main lines of effort:
1. Enhancing capabilities for domain awareness, communications, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
2. Engaging with allies and partners to uphold defense and deterrence while building interoperability.
3. Exercising calibrated presence through regular training and routine operations critical for deterrence and homeland defense.
The full strategy can be accessed on the DoD website.
Publication: 2024 Department of Defense Arctic Strategy
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