U.S. Navy Looks to Bolster Arctic Capabilities

The U.S. Navy is accelerating research and technology programs aimed at preparing the fleet to operate with enhanced Arctic capabilities.

Navy leaders had been preparing to increase the services’ Arctic presence by the mid-2030s, but they are now accelerating the timetable to the mid-2020s due to the warming of the waters and the rapid pace of melting ice.

Rising water temperatures means less ice in the Arctic, creating a circumstance wherein more open waterways will emerge. As a result, the Navy is putting the final touches on a new Updated Arctic Road Map designed to help the service achieve a more Arctic-capable fleet.