Following Trump’s comments, Canada is stepping up security in the Arctic
This is according to Reuters.
Greenland is studying the experience of the Canadian ‘Rangers’
According to the agency, the authorities in Greenland and Denmark have been consulting with Canada over the past three years regarding the creation of their own Arctic reserve unit, modelled on the Canadian Rangers. This refers to a special reserve unit of the Canadian Armed Forces that operates permanently in remote Arctic communities. Arctic expert and honorary lieutenant colonel of the Canadian Rangers, Whitney Lakenbauer, told Reuters that the rhetoric from the White House has only accelerated these processes. According to her, the countries of Northern Europe and Canada are increasingly coordinating their actions in the military and diplomatic spheres.
Canada is strengthening ties with its northern allies
In recent months, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has been strengthening cooperation with Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden and Iceland. In March, Canada and the five Nordic countries agreed to deepen cooperation in the field of defence procurement and military production. A plan to adapt the Canadian ranger model for Greenland is also expected to be drawn up by the end of the year. Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand stated that Ottawa regularly consults with partners on Arctic security. At the same time, Canada continues to cooperate with the US through the NORAD system, which is responsible for North American aerospace defence.
Competition between states is growing in the Arctic
Reuters notes that the Arctic is becoming an increasingly important region due to climate change and access to resources. Russia has the largest number of military bases there, whilst China has been strengthening its presence in the region in recent years, mainly in cooperation with Moscow. Against this backdrop, Canada is gradually increasing its defence spending. Last year, the country met NATO’s target of 2% of GDP for military spending. Experts note that despite increased cooperation with European allies, Canada still relies heavily on the US for Arctic defence matters.
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