Shock Mitigation Directory

Arctic Patrol & Reconnaissance 19 to 20 May - Copenhagen

Attendees at Annual Arctic Patrol and Reconnaissance will:-

• Discuss the current capabilities and necessary areas for development among the Arctic nations to effectively carry out patrol and reconnaissance operations.

• Learn about the development of new satellite surveillance systems helping to create a more complete real air picture.

• Explore technological and cooperative data exchange solutions to close the information capability gap when operating in the Arctic.

• Hear about lessons learned from the multilateral joint exercises that have taken place over the past year.

• Consult with the Arctic and Observer nations on their onward strategy in the region.

From Defence IQ re Arctic Patrol: In December 2013, President Putin of Russia instructed the Russian Military to increase its military infrastructure in the arctic region throughout 2014. A Russian Combined-Arms force will also deploy there by 2015. As part of the infrastructure programme, airfields and ports on the Franz Josef Land Archipelago and the New Siberian Islands, as well as the continental part of the Arctic Circle will be re-opened. Reconnaissance aircraft from Russia’s Northern Fleet will be deployed to these airfields to increase patrol missions over the Arctic. Over 30 such patrols were carried out in 2013.

Russia’s procurement of 2 Mistral Class LHDs from France also indicates intent from Russia to protect its claim to large areas of the Arctic, with the first ship scheduled for delivery in 2014.

The USA is presently the only nation of the five littoral states to place less focus on Arctic security, but naturally retains the most resources and investment potential into defence assets for the region.

Given the previous lack of priority in the Arctic for investment in recent years, a number of technologies are currently lacking, including effective satellite and manned aerial observation, as well as UAVs and patrol ships not appropriately “toughened“ to the environment.

It must be noted that some of the developments in force levels and structure are not concerned with power projection, but rather efforts to undertake mutually beneficial tasks, including the suppression of illegal activity and civilian research. Regardless, military activity is on the rise in what is a disputed part of the world, and nations have a duty to remain in constant and direct communication when it comes to increasing presence.

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