The Arctic Debrief: Arctic now a region of potential conflict, says Russia's navy chief

In this edition:

• Arctic now a region of potential conflict, says Russia's navy chief
• Norway acquires stake in Arctic Airport for future military use
• Russian vessel expelled from Norwegian port

Latest Developments

Arctic now a region of potential conflict, says Russia's navy chief

The Arctic region is increasingly becoming militarized and could lead to a confrontation between Russia and the West, said Admiral Aleksandr Moiseev of the Russian Navy who spoke at the bi-annual forum "Arctic: Present and Future" in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Admiral Moiseev pointing to the NATO allies increased presence in the region and the establishment of new military infrastructure across the Arctic. While highlighting NATO's military build up in the high north, the admiral omitted the fact that Russia began re-establishing its Arctic military bases and forces since the early 2010s.

Since at least 2012, Russia has renewed efforts to strengthen its Northern Fleet and in 2015 established military units focused on combat in the Arctic region, which included specialized vehicles and equipment.

Moiseev also discussed the West's attempts to hinder Russia's progress in the region via sanctions, pointing to the economic sanctions targeting natural resource extraction and sanctions that have prevented production of Russian warships.

However, the admiral failed to mention that the sanctions have been imposed as a result of Russia invading Crimea in 2014 and then launching its full scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Additionally, out of the 8 Arctic nations, Russia is the only one which is seeking to limit the freedom of navigation in its northern waters.

Norway acquires stake in Arctic Airport for future military use

The Norwegian government has purchased shares of a private airport in Bodø, Norway. A government release indicates that the site could potentially be used by the Norwegian military in the future.

The decision was made based on considerations related to national security, according to Bjørn Arild Gram, Norway's minister of defence. He noted that Norway's security environment has significantly changed and the infrastructure will assist allied preparedness in the Arctic.

"Norway will need allied help in crisis and war. Allied and regional cooperation in NATO strengthens our defense capabilities. Bodø should still be able to receive this help when we might need it," said Gram.

This move is the first of many which will see Norway upgrading and expanding a number of airports across its northern regions to accommodate allied air forces in peace time for joint exercises and to host allied aircraft if a war breaks out.

A long term plan introduced by the Norwegian government will aim to improve infrastructure at existing airports in Andøya, Værnes, Sola.

Russian vessel expelled from Norwegian port

The Azurit, a Russian-flagged fishing vessel, has not left the Båtsfjord port a week after being ordered by the Norwegian government to leave. The town hosts a port in Norway's high north and is one of three remaining ports where Russian fishing boats are allowed to dock.

If the vessel refuses to follow the order, authorities have permission to tow the ship into open waters. However, authorities must first make sure that the vessel is sea worthy.

The Azurit has been at the port since May 2024 and owes a local repair shop €92,000. The ship itself is owned by Oceanprom and registered in St.Petersburg, Russia.

Norway has been wary of any ships originating from Russia as recent laws by the Kremlin allow the government to use civilian and commercial ships for "government activities." As such there are concerns that fishing and shipping vessels could be used for espionage.