In the Arctic region, there is a significant presence of military bases and facilities, including staffed sites and radar installations. The military buildup in the Arctic began during World War II, decreased after the Cold War, and has now resurged due to climate change and geopolitical tensions.
Canada, despite owning a vast portion of Arctic territory, has a relatively small military presence compared to other Arctic nations. There are currently eight staffed military sites in Canada’s Arctic, with the largest located in Yellowknife. The northernmost military facility globally is Alert, situated on Ellesmere Island. Additionally, Canada operates 47 unmanned radar sites as part of the North Warning System.
Greenland hosts three military bases, including the U.S. Pituffik Space Base, which features the world’s most northern deep-water port. Denmark also operates smaller military facilities in Greenland. Under a 1951 treaty with Denmark, the U.S. has the option to re-establish military bases in Greenland.
In the United States, all ten of its northern military facilities are located in Alaska. These sites house various military assets, including F-35 and F-22 fighter jets and interceptor missiles at Fort Greely. Although the U.S. can deploy submarines to the Arctic year-round, their submarine activities are more prevalent in southern regions.
Russia boasts the most extensive military presence in the Arctic, with roughly 30 to 40 manned military facilities across its northern territories. The majority of Russia’s Arctic forces are concentrated in the Kola Peninsula, near the Barents Sea, where numerous air bases and naval fleets are stationed. Analysts suggest that the military firepower in this region surpasses that of any other location on the planet.
Norway, a NATO member sharing a border with Russia, maintains 15 military facilities in its Arctic territory. These facilities support troops, the air force, and coast guard operations. Additionally, Norway has sovereignty over the Svalbard Islands, but these islands are demilitarized under a 1920 treaty. This strategic approach is driven by Norway’s need to assert military strength in the Arctic amid concerns about Russian activities in the region.