The US Arctic Strategy calls for investment in climate monitoring and communications technologies

On October 7, the White House released the “National Arctic Strategy.”

Washington – An updated US Arctic strategy under the Biden administration Released on October 7 He predicts a greater competition for power in that part of the world, fueled by climate change and increased military activities.

The strategy updates the 2013 version, laying out a 10-year plan to “put the United States in a position to compete and effectively manage tensions.”

The plan recommends investments in infrastructure to monitor the area and improve connectivity, Echo themes were raised by the Department of Defense and the US Armed Forces in their Arctic strategies.

The strategy indicates that infrastructure improvements will require investments in space communications and Earth observation. US defense officials have noted the value of space systems in supporting a region with sparse ground infrastructure.

“A deeper understanding of the operating environment in the Arctic is needed to inform real-time decision-making and respond to changing conditions,” the US strategy says.

The strategy recommends investments in:

• Awareness of the modern field to detect and track potential air and sea threats.
• Improved sensing and monitoring capabilities, including sea ice, ship movement, and weather.
• Improving communications, positioning, navigation and timing capabilities by developing communications and data networks capable of operating in northern latitudes.
• Arctic observation, mapping and planning; Weather forecasting, water and sea ice.
• Satellite coverage to enable efficient trade and ensure maritime and air safety.

The US Arctic Strategy is being released at a time when Satellite operators take a chance In the Arctic to improve connectivity as atmospheric and geopolitical climate change increases demand for bandwidth. There is also a growing commercial remote sensing industry deploying custom-designed towers to monitor climate changeincluding trends in Arctic ice melt.

“The increasing strategic importance of the Arctic has intensified competition to shape its future as countries pursue new economic interests and prepare for increased activity,” the strategy says.

He points out that Russia has invested heavily in its military presence in the Arctic over the past decade. It is working to modernize its military bases and airports. Deployment of new coastal and air defense missile systems and upgraded submarines; And increase military exercises and training operations.

Russia is also building economic infrastructure in Arctic lands to develop hydrocarbons, minerals and fisheries and is trying to restrict freedom of navigation with its excessive maritime claims along the Northern Sea Route.

“The Russian war in Ukraine has heightened geopolitical tensions in the Arctic, as it has globally, creating new risks of unintended conflict and impeding cooperation,” the document says.

Meanwhile, China is seeking to increase its influence in the Arctic through economic, diplomatic, scientific, and military activities, according to the strategy. Over the past decade, China has doubled its investments, focusing on important mineral extraction; It expanded its scientific activities. These scientific interactions were used to conduct dual-use research with intelligence or military applications in the Arctic.”

Originally published at San Jose News Bulletin