US Navy will patrol Russian Arctic

The US Navy (Navy) will begin regular patrols near Russian shores in the Arctic “in a more permanent manner” to deter Moscow’s activities in the High North.

Secretary of Navy Kenneth Braithwaite says the blueprint guides how the US Department of the Navy will continue to provide the right levels and types of presence on, under, and above Arctic water, ensuring America is prepared to compete effectively and efficiently to maintain favorable balances of power.

“Without sustained American naval presence and partnerships in the Arctic Region, peace and prosperity will be increasingly challenged by Russia and China, whose interests and values differ dramatically from ours,” the blueprint states.