US Department of Defense, "Closely Monitoring Russian Military Activities in the Arctic...Key Area for Homeland Defense"

Russia's Military Buildup in the Arctic Ocean... Threat to Alaska and NATO
US Experts Express Concern Over Russian Nuclear-Powered Underwater Drone 'Poseidon'

[Image source=U.S. Department of Defense website]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The U.S. Department of Defense has expressed concern over Russia's military buildup and various military activities in the Arctic region, describing them as acts that simultaneously threaten both the United States and Europe. The department announced plans to strengthen Arctic defense in cooperation with NATO allies. U.S. experts are particularly worried about the dangers posed by Russia's development of nuclear-powered underwater drone torpedoes.

On the 5th (local time), John Kirby, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Defense, stated in a press briefing, "Russia has recently been renovating and repairing former Soviet-era airfields and naval bases in the Arctic region while enhancing missile capabilities. The Department of Defense is closely monitoring these developments." He added, "The Arctic region is essential for the defense of the U.S. homeland and serves as a strategic passage to the Indo-Pacific region and Europe, making it vulnerable. We will strengthen cooperation with our allies to protect national security interests in the Arctic going forward."

Earlier, the Russian Navy revealed the results of an Arctic exercise held on the 26th of last month, involving over 600 soldiers and about 200 types of military equipment, including fighter jets and submarines. They successfully surfaced three nuclear submarines simultaneously by breaking through Arctic ice. Since 2015, Russia has been strengthening its military presence in the Arctic by establishing around 40 military ports and missile bases.

The greatest concern among U.S. experts is reportedly the underwater drone recently developed by Russia. According to CNN, Russia developed the Poseidon, a nuclear-powered underwater drone torpedo, in 2019. This weapon can cause radioactive damage to coastal cities and is capable of evading interception, raising fears of significant damage if used in actual combat.

Especially with global warming enabling Arctic routes to be navigable for 9 to 10 months?more than twice as long as usual?and following the Suez Canal blockage incident, Russia has been promoting the use of Arctic routes, which has heightened concerns within the U.S. government, CNN reported. A senior U.S. State Department official, speaking anonymously in an interview with CNN, explained, "Russia will require Russian navigators to be aboard all vessels passing through the Arctic route and will demand permission for passage. This exceeds the authority granted under international law and poses a security threat."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.