'Difficult for US to Match Russia's Influence in the Arctic'

True, Russia is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the riches hidden in its northern territories but it all starts with understanding the importance of the region, offering a coherent development strategy, as well as having the will and the means to pursue it. Russia has it all.

Therefore, "Moscow already has a notable infrastructure, military, geographic and demographic advantage in the region. More than 60 percent of Arctic land area is in Russia, and over 80 percent of the Arctic's population lives in Russia. It will be difficult for the United States to match Russia's influence in the Arctic," defense analyst Omar Lamrani noted.

Washington is well aware of what the expert described as "capacity limitations" in the Arctic and there is no shortage of those but the key is the lack of icebreakers. Virtually anything – from conducting major research to escorting other ships through the treacherous sea ice in the Arctic – is unimaginable without this type of vessel.

"In contrast to Russia's 41 icebreakers, the US government operates only three, one of which is inactive. The United States may attempt to accelerate vessel production, but even then the US Coast Guard is unlikely to receive its desired three heavy and three medium icebreakers anytime soon," Lamrani observed.

The United States also needs to improve the existing infrastructure and construct new installations, including ports and support facilities for search and rescue operations, if it wants to achieve a greater presence in the region. This is unlikely to happen anytime soon.

"The US Coast Guard has implored Washington to strengthen its Arctic capacity, but budget shortfalls and delays will prolong any improvements from being made," the analyst wrote.