The Arctic Debrief: Canada to install $4.3 billion radar to monitor Arctic region

In this edition:

• Canada to install $4.3 billion radar to monitor Arctic region
• Chinese oil rig to initiate drilling operation off Norwegian coast
• United States is concerned over Russia and China's increased military cooperation in Arctic

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Latest Developments

Canada to install $4.3 billion radar to monitor Arctic region

The Canadian government has plans to build an over-the-horizon radar system to improve NORAD's ability to monitor the Arctic region. The system is estimated to cost up to $4.3 billion USD (or $6 billion CAD) and is expected to be operational by 2033.

Detecting cruise missiles and ballistic missiles will be the primary focus of the new technology, as the government highlights that Russia and China are the main threat to Canadian sovereignty. The data acquired from the system will shared with the US through the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).

Military spending has been a focus for the Canadian government which recognized the Arctic as one of its main military priorities. In addition to plans to acquire new radar systems and to construct more military bases in its northern territories, Canada has purchased MQ-9B aerial drones and P8-Poisedon surveillance aircraft to assist with patrolling the region.

The federal government is also set to publish its Arctic foreign policy, which will reinstate an Arctic ambassador. The policy is set to outline the country's approach to the region as it prepares for a Trump presidency and tensions increase with Russia and China.

Chinese oil rig to initiate drilling operation off Norwegian coast

A Chinese-owned oil rig is set to begin drilling within Norway's territory, just weeks after Norwegian intelligence services raised concerns over China's intent to develop a foothold in the Arctic via economic, scientific and political means.

The COSLProspector oil rig is owned and operated by COSL Drilling Europe, which is the European branch of the Chinese state-owned enterprise China Oilfield Services. Chinese companies are required by law to assist state intelligence agencies and security services.

The company received permission to drill in the Barents Sea from the Norwegian Shelf Directorate, a government agency which regulates Norway's petroleum deposits. COSL Drilling Europe received the drilling license through a partnership with Vår Energi, a Norwegian energy company. COSL has a fleet of six oil rigs, all of which are set to begin operating within the Barents Sea over the next few years.

United States is concerned over Russia and China's increased military cooperation in Arctic

America's Arctic ambassador said the US Army is paying close attention to the increased military cooperation between Russia and China. In addition to supply Russia with dual-purpose technology, which has been used by Russia to develop military equipment, China has participated in a number of Russian military exercises over the last year.

Citing recent joint military patrols of the two nations' navies and air forces, US ambassador Michael Sfraga told Reuters that the country is heightening its security and alerting its allies.

"The fact that they are working together in the Arctic has our attention," Sfraga told Reuters. "We are being both vigilant and diligent about this. We're watching very closely this evolution of their activity."

China's growing interest in the Arctic has led it to strengthen its relations with Russia to gain access to the region's resources.