Why USNORTHCOM would struggle to defeat China in the Arctic
USCG cutter Forward transits near an iceberg. (Photo: US DoD)
Not having enough naval and C4ISR capabilities to patrol and monitor the region would the US at risk in a conflict with China in the Arctic region.
Growing Chinese interest in the Arctic has been shedding light on the need to improve the US capabilities in the region. The most critical concern for the Pentagon is US Northern Command’s (USNORTHCOM) lack of sufficient naval platforms and C4ISR systems to monitor and protect its area of responsibility (AOR).
USNORTHCOM AOR comprises US continental lands, Alaska, Canada, Mexico and the surrounding water out to approximately 500 nautical miles. To patrol it, the Command relies on US Coast Guard (USCG) inventory.
The branch, however, only has two icebreakers assigned to operate in the North Polar region: the Storis (the former
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Raytheon will develop an advanced naval sensing and targeting system for DARPA]()
Raytheon will develop an advanced naval sensing and targeting system for DARPA
RTX’s solution for DARPA’s Pulling Guard programme is intended to provide advanced maritime defence technologies to protect platforms against uncrewed surface vehicles and other threats.
-
![Spain’s F100 upgrade mirrors Aegis modernisation paths in allied navies]()
Spain’s F100 upgrade mirrors Aegis modernisation paths in allied navies
The Spanish Navy’s Alvaro de Bazan-class of air defence frigates will receive the latest Aegis Weapon System technology among other modernisations to extend the service life to 2045.
-
![UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns]()
UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns
Shipbuilders are saying the programme is going ahead on time as the government estimates 7.7 million tonnes of steel are needed for 2026 infrastructure projects.
-
![Raytheon unveils details of its proposal for the US Navy/NATO ESSM Next Significant Variant]()
Raytheon unveils details of its proposal for the US Navy/NATO ESSM Next Significant Variant
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, Raytheon’s VP of Shipboard Missiles disclosed what improvements the company plans to offer for the Sea Sparrow NSV.
