Russia Holds Large-Scale Military Drills in the Arctic, Solidifying Control over Key Waterways

In September 2024, Russia conducted a large-scale military exercise in the Arctic region, spanning the Barents Sea and along the Northern Sea Route (NSR), involving naval, air, and ground forces. The drills focused on testing Russia's rapid response capabilities and long-range missile deployment in extreme polar conditions, aimed at cementing its military control over crucial energy and trade passages like the NSR.

The action was viewed by Western nations as a threat to international rule of law and freedom of navigation in the Arctic. For conservatives, Russia's military buildup in the Arctic underscored how resource competition and geopolitical conflict are extending to new frontiers, highlighting the need for the U.S. and NATO allies to adopt a more proactive strategy to counter Russian militarization in the Arctic and preserve global trade and strategic balance.