The June 11 meeting discussed the upcoming NATO Summit, the linkages between North American and North European Arctic security and defense, and NATO air policing in response to Russian airspace incursions in the Baltics.
The June 24-26 NATO Summit will likely include discussions about increasing the target for defense spending from 2 percent to 5 percent of GDP. The new target will also encompass infrastructure and related spending as opposed to just spending on military equipment. The Chairs noted that the infrastracutre and logsitics spending will be important to ensure Allies can utilize their military capabilities and it brings the five percent target into reach.
North American and North European Arctic security and defense are linked and can be mutually dependent. Threats from adversaries will likely pass over one region to reach the other, while improved surveillance and information sharing help reduce the threat. The Chairs noted that the proposed Golden Dome system will be a qualitative upgrade from existing detection and response systems. They also commented on increased information sharing about the threat posed by next generation missiles and how that helps build support and understanding about the scope of the project. Chairs furhter remarked on the significance of Arctic radar systems for the defense of the European and North American Arctic and some of the challenges in obtaining a comprehensive picture.
The Chairs noted recent incursions into Baltic airspace by Russian military aircraft and the coordinated response from NATO through its air policing mission in addition to more robust responses to maritime activities by Russia’s shadow fleet. These incidents demonstrate how a strong allied response can help promote peace and stability across the high latitudes in the face of adversarial activities.
The National and Arctic Interest Chairs program is a way for the TSC to integrate national Arctic security networks as well as distinguished subject matter experts to advance a common understanding of Arctic security and best practices for Arctic security and defense. The Chairs include representatives from Norway and Sweden as well as Chairs from the U.S. Coast Guard and the Alaska National Guard in addition to a Chair for Polar Governance.