Defence in the Arctic inquiry launched

• Inquiry: Defence in the Arctic
• Defence Sub-Committee

Focus of the inquiry

The Arctic Ocean is changing. Permanent ice-cover is giving way and the Northwest and Northeast Passages are becoming seasonally ice-free. Consequently, international interest in the Arctic has reached levels not seen since the Cold War. This interest is commercial and scientific—including new shipping routes, environmental, strategic and defence-related.

All eight Arctic states (United States, Canada, Russia, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland and Norway) have embarked on ambitious procurement programmes to build up security and defence forces in the region. Russia has the most extensive Arctic defence programme which aims to harness the region as its primary base for natural resources by 2020.  Norway, with over 80% of its maritime territory north of the Arctic Circle, considers this its primary region of strategic responsibility.

Currently, the UK Armed Forces' Arctic capability comprises elements of the Royal Navy (including the Royal Marines), the Royal Air Force and the Army. The UK is also a regular participant in the annual meetings of the Northern Group and the Arctic Security Forces Roundtable. While SDSR 2015 reflected increased attention from the Ministry of Defence in the security of Northern Europe, it stopped short of delivering an assessment of the UK’s defence requirements in the Arctic, and whether these were being met.

Submitting written evidence

The sub-Committee seeks written submissions addressing the following issues:

• The security and defence implications for the UK of the melting Arctic ice cap;
• Recent military activity in the Arctic, including the main actors and their current capabilities and intentions;
• The bilateral frameworks for cooperation in the Arctic, including with Norway and Canada;
• Geopolitical developments in the Arctic, including West-Russia tensions, low oil prices, Asian interests, and their consequences for defence in the Arctic;
• Possible hotspots of conflict in the region and how the UK might contribute to the de-escalation of any such military tensions;
• What role any of the existing forums for discussion of Arctic matters can play in de-escalating risk;
• Whether the UK Armed Forces have the necessary numbers, training and equipment to operate effectively in the Arctic if needed; and
• Whether NATO should increase its focus on the Arctic

Written evidence can submitted through the Defence in the Arctic inquiry page. Deadline for submissions is 19 January 2017. 

Further information

• Guidance: written submissions (including information on data protection)
• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees