The Arctic Debrief

The Arctic Debrief: US Army to gain unimpeded access to new military areas in northern Norway

In this edition of The Arctic Debrief: Norway to grant US army unimpeded access to military sites; Canada commissions fifth Arctic patrol vessel; Norway to increase its control over Arctic Svalbard islands.

The Arctic Debrief: US Army to gain unimpeded access to new military areas in northern Norway

In this edition:

  • US Army to gain unimpeded access to new military areas in northern Norway
  • Canada commissions fifth Arctic patrol vessel
  • Norway to increase its control over Arctic Svalbard islands

Latest Developments

The four new military areas that the US will be able to access in northern Norway: Osmarka Mountain Facility (white); Bardufoss Air Station (red); Andøya Air Station (green); and the Setermoen garrison (orange)

US Army to gain unimpeded access to new military areas in northern Norway

The Norwegian parliament has voted in favor of amending the Supplementary Defense Cooperation Agreement (SDCA) to grant the US military unlimited access to four new military areas: the Osmarka mountain facility, the Andøya and Bardufoss air stations, and the Setermoen garrison.

As per the agreement, the United States military can deploy troops, conduct exercises, and store military equipment within those areas. The purpose of the SDCA is to allow the US military to operate and deploy forces within Norway with limited obstruction. The Norwegian Defense Minister noted that the focus will be on ensuring peace in the North Atlantic and defending Norway.

Sweden and Finland have signed similar agreements effectively granting the US army access to all of NATO's northern European theatre.

The Canadian Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship is based off the same design used by the Norwegian Coast Guard. In Canada the ship is known as a Harry DeWolfe-Class vessel.

Canada commissions fifth Arctic patrol vessel

The Royal Canadian Navy is set to receive its fifth Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS) after a launching ceremony in a Halifax shipyard on May 25. The vessel was officially named HMCS Frédérick Rolette, after a first lieutenant who served in the Provincial Navy of Upper Canada during the War of 1812.

A AOPS ship is intended to be used in patrolling and defending Canadian waters. In addition to the patrol boats, the Canadian government is looking to increase its ability to monitor and defend its Arctic region by investing in aerial and maritime drones and various aircraft including F-35 fighter jets and the P-8 Poseidon multi-mission aircraft.

The government is expecting Irving Shipbuilding, the company which received contracts to construct the AOPS, to deliver the sixth and final Arctic vessel sometime in 2025. According to the CEO of the company, Canada's shipbuilding industry is becoming more knowledge and efficient at constructing Arctic capable ships.

Pyramiden is an abandoned Soviet town located on Svalbard. It was previously a coal mining town, which shut down in 1998. The town is owned by Arktikugol, a Russian company that also owns the still inhabited coal mining town of Barentsburg.

Norway to increase its control over Arctic Svalbard islands

The Norwegian government released an updated strategy for Svalbard, an archipelago in the Arctic, stating that it seeks to strengthen its authority over the region. The islands making up Svalbard are located about 700km off north of Europe.

"We will strengthen national control over the archipelago and support Norway's presence there," said Norwegian Justice Minister Emilie Enger Mehl during a May 31 press conference.

The unique region is recognized as Norway's territory, but due to a 1920 treaty it allows for nationals of other countries to live on the island without a visa.

Russia and China, who are signatories of the treaty, are looking to increase their presence and influence. About 400 Russian nationals live on Svalbard with most of them residing in Barentsburg, a coal mining town.

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