WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The loss of sea ice in the Arctic does not imply there will be a race between Russia and the United States for dominance in the region, US Northern Command Commander Admiral William Gortney stated at a press conference on Tuesday.
“I don’t see it as a race,” Gortney said in response to a question on whether the opening of the Arctic as a result of melting sea ice would create a race between the United States and Russia for dominance in the region.
Gortney explained the Arctic was still an inhospitable place for militaries despite melting sea ice and a smaller Arctic shelf, and operating there is three times more expensive and time consuming.
The Northcom Commander noted that the Arctic still holds strategic importance as the United States can deploy military assets around the globe quicker from Alaska than the continental United States.
Russia has in recent months ramped up military drills in the Arctic, and has increased air defenses to its North and East. Bolstering Russia’s presence in the Arctic region is part of the country’s military strategy through 2020.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said in late 2014 that Russia is not planning to militarize the Arctic, but is taking necessary measures to ensure its security in the region.
On Tuesday, Russia’s Defense Ministry announced that for the first time paratroopers dropped on a moving ice block in the Arctic Ocean, and set up camp and communications devices.
