In response to an increase in Russian military activity near U.S. territory, the U.S. military has deployed over 100 soldiers and advanced weaponry to a remote island in Alaska’s Aleutian chain. Soldiers were stationed on Shemya Island on Sept. 12, bringing with them two High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS). This deployment is a direct response to the surge in Russian and Chinese military drills near U.S. airspace.
Over the past week, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) detected and tracked Russian military planes operating off Alaska on multiple occasions. The Coast Guard Cutter Stratton also identified two submarines and a frigate during a routine patrol in the Chukchi Sea on Sept. 16.
Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder stated that they are closely monitoring these occurrences and are prepared to respond if necessary, although he emphasized that they do not currently pose a direct threat to U.S. national security.
Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, called for more permanent actions in response to these escalating incidents of Russian and Chinese aggression near Alaska’s shores. He urged the U.S Navy to reopen its former base at Adak, Alaska, which was closed in 1997.
Sullivan also called for Congress and the Biden Administration to pass the National Defense Authorization Act as part of efforts to strengthen U.S military presence in Alaska and send a clear message of deterrence to adversaries like Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
The Department of Defense’s 2024 Arctic Strategy highlights the strategic significance of this region as it becomes an area of focus for defense efforts against rising challenges from Russia and China.
Military analysts have noted that recent joint exercises conducted by Russia and China indicate their deliberate challenge against U.S dominance in this key region for missile defense systems and natural resources.
