The Arctic Debrief: Nordic nations seek greater military cooperation amid rising tensions
The Arctic Debrief is a weekly newsletter covering the most important developments in the Arctic region of the past week.
In this edition:
- Nordic nations seek greater military cooperation amid rising tensions
- Russian Northern Fleet to receive second Borei-A class submarine
- Putin and Xi reaffirm cooperation to achieve Arctic ambitions
Latest Developments
Nordic nations seek greater military cooperation amid rising tensions
Nordic defence ministers met in Finland to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and discuss urgent security matters. The meeting was attended by all members of the Nordic Defence Cooperation, which includes Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Norway, and Sweden.
The MoU lays out a frame work on how the states will take steps to improve military cooperation and strengthen Nordic collective defence. The discussions focused on air defence, creating secure supply lines, and increasing defence production.
Russia was central to these discussions as the state grows increasingly hostile to the West as it continues its invasion of Ukraine. Recent reports note that Russia has been increasing troop presence and building trench networks along borders with its European neighbours.
While Russia is seen as the largest and most imminent threat, President Donald Trump's remarks regarding annexing Greenland were also part of the conversation. A direct military invasion of Greenland is considered unlikely, so the dialogue focused on the fact that U.S. support may not be available if a conflict arises.
Arctic security and the current military situation were also discussed at the meeting, including considerations on further defensive measures in northern regions and future military training in cold-weather conditions.
Putin and Xi reaffirm cooperation to achieve Arctic ambitions
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Moscow and discussed various issues, including continuing cooperation in the Arctic.
The two leaders agreed to continue efforts to develop the Northern Sea Route, with Putin highlighting that the volume of shipped goods between the countries via the Arctic has increased since the previous year.
Putin also noted that new logistical hubs are under construction along the Northern Sea Route which will support shipping through the region. The Chinese government and Chinese businesses have invested in projects throughout Northern Russia securing significant stakes in Russian infrastructure and logistics.
Russian Northern Fleet to receive second Borei-A class submarine
Russia's new Borei-A class ballistic missile submarine was spotted out at sea, likely conducting weapon tests. The submarine can carry up to 16 Bulava missiles which can be armed with six nuclear warheads each.
The submarine will join the Northern Fleet once it completes all trials and likely begin patrolling the Arctic Ocean. This will be the fleet's second Borei-A class sub, after Knyaz Vladimir which joined in 2020.
This submarine was scheduled to join the fleet last year, but multiple issues caused significant delays to its deployment.
