US European Command to Counter Russia in High North - Breedlove

© Sputnik / Igor Ageyenko / Go to the mediabankTraining of cadets in the Arctic division DVVKU
Training of cadets in the Arctic division DVVKU - Sputnik International
Subscribe
US European Command (EUCOM) is working to counter Russian presence in the Arctic by unifying US command forces in the region, Supreme Allied Commander of EUCOM and NATO, General Philip Breedlove said on Thursday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The US Army is also considering reducing US forces in Alaska by removing two brigade combat teams. The move is a response to ongoing US military budget challenges.

High-latitude Arctic expedition to Spitsbegen as part of Arctic-2015 project - Sputnik International
Russian Presence in Arctic Aimed at Protecting National Interests
“I think [Russia is] making sure that they have the military infrastructure to be able to influence the High North,” Breedlove told the US Senate Armed Services Committee.

Breedlove continued that EUCOM has developed “an initiative called the Russian Strategic Initiative, where all the COCOM (combatant command) who touch Russia have come together.”

The European Command is at the head of the effort to “make sure we do not end up having these seams” between EUCOM, US Pacific Command, and US Northern Command.

© Sputnik / Vitaliy Ankov / Go to the mediabankPacific fleet vessels' sortie for combat training
Pacific fleet vessels' sortie for combat training - Sputnik International
Pacific fleet vessels' sortie for combat training

The three commands have overlapping responsibilities for the northern region next to Russian territory.

Breedlove expressed his concern over Russia’s upgraded presence in the Arctic, and emphasized that he “would not recommend reducing [US] capabilities in the North.”

The United States currently lacks transportation and other critical infrastructure, which limits its capabilities in the Arctic, according to statements from US military and diplomatic personnel.

Russia’s 2014-2020 military doctrine calls for building Russian defense capabilities in the Arctic. Russia has moved ahead in fielding a new Arctic Command, four new Arctic brigades, developing 11 new airfields, and adding to its icebreaker fleet.

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала