Welcome to the Arctic

During the Cold War, the main front between NATO and the Soviet Union was West Germany. The Arctic region was our flank and was where Soviet fleet elements would sortie from to take a shot at our sea lines of communication between North America and Western Europe. When we won the Cold War and the Soviet Union itself collapsed, the conventional military threat to NATO dissolved. But with more attention being paid to the Arctic in a scramble for resources, the Arctic is becoming the front line between NATO and Russia. As I've noted before, Canada is now on the front line.

So Canada must adapt, and in the process bolster their claims to sovereignty up there (even claims America does not recognize). But one Cold War relic could help Canada out. The Arctic was a Cold War front line in one respect--Soviet nuclear missiles (or bombers) would come from that region heading for America, and we and the Canadians built up the infrastructure to detect and/or defend (in the case of the bombers) against that threat. That infrastructure could be of use to Canada for their new frontline mission:

The Canadian military is looking to construct new "hubs" - small military bases that consist of a runway and a supply warehouse in areas the Forces believe they might need to suddenly deploy to - in the North. But existing infrastructure already exists in Churchill, Man. For many years, Churchill was the military's major base in the North. It could be so again. It is a deep sea port and its runways were used by American B-52 bombers during the Cold War, so it could likely accommodate the C-17, the largest cargo planes in the Canadian fleet and the centrepiece of our northern search and rescue plans. The Canadian Forces, specifically the navy and air Force, were based in Churchill through-out the Cold War and their buildings, airstrips and officer accommodations still stand in the town, though now abandoned.

Expanding the Canadian Forces' presence in Churchill would have dual civilian and military benefits as the Port of Churchill is central to creating an Arctic gateway. The Arctic gateway concept seeks to create a trade route through the centre of North America, using the railroad that links Winnipeg to Churchill to ship goods at a reduced distance to Russian and Asian markets.

The Canadians have a great interest in looking north and will devote more resources to defending their interests there. It will be intersting to see how Canada adapts to being the front line of NATO needing the help of alliance members rather than being the rear area sending help to the front.

UPDATE: Russia intends to send some of their only combat ready forces to the Arctic, showing how important the area is becoming:

Units of the Russian Airborne Troops may be deployed in the Arctic as part of a permanent multi-branch contingent in the region, the Airborne Troops chief of staff said on Thursday.

Don't be surprised. Front lines always have troops on both sides of the line. Especially when the line is in dispute.