ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the expansion of Russia’s military capabilities in the High North and its implications for Western security. New weapons’ systems and technologies contribute to strengthening Russia’s strategic force and the defence of submarines. Russia’s military build-up and subversive activities constitute the most important challenge to the defence of Europe. Russia is building an extensive military and dual-use infrastructure along the entire Arctic rim to support offensive operations, protect Russia from incoming bombers and missiles, and manage soft-security challenges. Russia’s military posture, relying on an improving capacity for theatre-scale warfare, accentuates the asymmetrical character of the relationship with its small Western neighbours. Russia’s anti-access strategy, and the return of the North Atlantic as a strategic pivot, highlight the significance of Iceland as a point of the Northern Triangle. To compensate for regional asymmetry, NATO should formulate a competitive strategy, capitalising on its own strengths and Russia’s weaknesses.
