US Faces Critical Arctic Warfare Deficiencies

The US military's renewed focus on the Arctic is exposing critical deficiencies in the weapons and technologies required to maintain a presence in the region. As competition with rivals intensifies, officials are increasingly concerned about the nation's readiness for potential Arctic warfare.

With vast distances, subzero temperatures, and limited infrastructure, the Arctic presents unique challenges that existing systems struggle to address. The region has become a focal point for strategic competition, particularly as Russia and China expand their interests and capabilities in this critical theater.

The United States faces a fundamental problem: it lacks the right weapons and tools to reliably detect threats in the Arctic and respond quickly. Surveillance and sensor systems, naval capabilities, and drone technologies are all lacking, creating vulnerabilities in a region where distances are vast and conditions are unforgiving.

According to defense experts, the US and some NATO allies have significantly underinvested in capabilities needed to detect, track, and respond to activity across Arctic distances. These shortfalls create opportunities for adversaries to operate undetected and challenge allied forces.

Key missing capabilities include:

• Aerial and underwater surveillance systems
• Anti-submarine frigates and heavy icebreakers
• Polar-capable multi-mission surface vessels
• Dual-use sealift capacity
• Undersea sensor networks and command systems

Infrastructure remains a critical weakness. Ports, runways, roads, and command and control systems are insufficient for sustained operations. As one expert noted, "These shortfalls allow adversaries to transit waters and territories undetected, sustain forces in combat theaters for prolonged periods, and successfully challenge allied forces in combat-like situations."

The Arctic represents a critical corridor for potential future conflicts, with its strategic importance growing as competition intensifies. Former deputy commander of US Northern Command, Army Gen. Thomas Carden, described the region as the "shortest and least defended threat sector" in 2024.

President Donald Trump has highlighted the Arctic's significance, particularly regarding Greenland's strategic value for missile defense. "If there is a war, much of the action will take place on that piece of ice," Trump stated at the World Economic Forum in Davos. "Think of it: those missiles would be flying right over the center."

"If there is a war, much of the action will take place on that piece of ice."

Warnings about Arctic security implications have spanned multiple administrations. The region's importance for homeland defense has been consistently emphasized, with concerns that inadequate US presence could allow undetected attacks through this vulnerable corridor.

Recognition of these challenges has prompted new investments in Arctic capabilities. Recent legislation, including the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and the Coast Guard's fiscal year 2026 budget, has allocated millions for new icebreakers, Coast Guard cutters, and Arctic infrastructure upgrades.

The Coast Guard's newly renamed Arctic District has assumed a more prominent monitoring role. Last year, the service received its first polar icebreaker in over 25 years, marking a significant milestone in Arctic capability development.

Additional efforts include:

• New air defense systems and interceptors for Alaska
• Space Force's Golden Dome project with space-based sensors
• Modernization of Pituffik Space Base in Greenland
• Enhanced surveillance and monitoring capabilities

Despite these investments, key areas remain underdeveloped. Parts of the airspace over eastern Greenland and the North Pole are not consistently surveilled, and submarine detection capabilities along Greenland's eastern coast fall short of requirements.

The US faces increasing competition from Russia and China, who are deepening cooperation and actively pursuing interests in the Arctic. Russia has been expanding submarine operations in the seas off Norway, while China strategically positions itself as a "near Arctic" nation.

Both nations are investing heavily in Arctic capabilities. China has joined Russia on joint patrols near Alaska and is developing naval capabilities, ships, and drones specifically for the region. This coordinated expansion creates additional pressure on US and allied defenses.

Uncrewed systems, including naval and aerial drones, could theoretically extend surveillance coverage across vast Arctic areas. However, the harsh environment presents significant challenges:

• Extreme cold stressing battery performance
• Reduced range and connectivity issues
• Low visibility and strong winds degrading performance
• Snow and ice conditions affecting equipment reliability

Recent exercises have confirmed that temperatures below freezing, poor visibility, and severe weather can significantly degrade drone and equipment performance, complicating efforts to enhance surveillance through unmanned systems.

The Arctic warfare challenge represents a complex intersection of technological gaps, strategic competition, and environmental difficulties. While the US has begun investing in Arctic capabilities, the pace of development must match the urgency of the threat.

Success will require sustained investment in surveillance technologies, naval assets, and infrastructure that can withstand extreme conditions. The region's strategic importance ensures it will remain a critical focus for defense planning in the coming years.

Key priorities moving forward include:

• Accelerating icebreaker and naval vessel construction
• Enhancing surveillance and sensor networks
• Developing drones capable of operating in extreme cold
• Strengthening allied cooperation in the region

As competition intensifies, the ability to detect, track, and respond to threats in the Arctic will be crucial for maintaining regional security and protecting national interests.