France Presents its Arctic Defense Strategy

France has presented a strategy to increase its military and political presence in the Arctic region amid global interest in new sea routes and mineral resources opening up with global warming.

The document was published by the Ministry of Armed Forces of France.

In July 2024, the Ministry presented an Arctic Defense Strategy that sets priorities for the period until 2030. The document highlights the growing geopolitical importance of the region, security threats posed by Russia’s aggressive policy, and climate change, which is opening up new opportunities for shipping and mineral extraction.

For example, melting glaciers are opening up new trade routes, the most important of which is the Northeast Passage, which could cut travel time between Europe and Asia by almost 40%. However, these new economic opportunities have significantly increased geopolitical tensions.

The strategy provides for the active expansion of France’s military, diplomatic, and infrastructural presence in the Arctic region. The main goal is to ensure freedom of navigation, surveillance, and protection of national interests, while promoting stability and cooperation with allies within NATO, the EU, and the Arctic Council.

France will focus on gradually building up its military capabilities in the region. This involves adapting weapons, transport, communications, and reconnaissance equipment to operate in extremely cold climates. Particular attention will be paid to personnel protection and mobility in the challenging Arctic terrain.

One of the key decisions is to expand participation in multinational drills such as Cold Response, conducted by NATO in Norway. French forces will take a more active part in such operations to enhance interoperability with allies and build combat experience in northern latitudes.

France also plans to deploy new sensors and satellite infrastructure to monitor the situation in high latitudes. In this context, the IRIS² space program will play an important role, providing secure satellite communications even in areas where traditional infrastructure does not work.

The strategy pays particular attention to coordination between civil and military structures. Cooperation between the Ministry of Armed Forces, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, scientific institutions, and French territories linked to the Arctic region, in particular Saint Pierre and Miquelon, will be strengthened.

France does not plan to build military bases in the Arctic, but it does envisage the creation of a mobile logistics infrastructure capable of supporting military operations in remote areas. This includes the use of civilian ports in northern Europe and the deployment of temporary bases during exercises or crisis situations.

Another strategic priority is to deepen bilateral relations with key Arctic countries: Norway, Canada, Denmark, and Iceland. France is also strengthening cooperation with Germany and other EU partners in the areas of Arctic security, science, and environmental monitoring.

The document stresses the importance of preserving the Arctic as an area of international cooperation, but at the same time emphasizes that “the absence of conflict does not guarantee stability.” France, therefore, considers it necessary to prepare for a potential escalation, particularly in light of Russia’s growing military activity in the region.

France’s military presence in the region

The increased activity of French troops in the region over the past six months clearly indicates preparations for military operations by French forces in the region: in March, France and Denmark completed the certification of A400M military transport aircraft for operation on ice runways in Greenland.

Pilots and crews of the French Air and Space Force trained in extreme conditions, at temperatures ranging from -30 to -40°C, gaining a better understanding of operations on frozen runways in remote locations.

After a five-month operation off the coast of Greenland, a French naval group completed its deployment this month. It includes the frigate Surcouf and the helicopter carrier Mistral.

The Mistral helicopter carrier is carrying two Cougar transport helicopters, two Gazelle light helicopters, one Dauphin patrol helicopter, and an S-100 Camcopter UAV, as well as Foreign Legion paratroopers with 35 pieces of equipment.

The frigate Surcouf, equipped with Exocet anti-ship missiles and modern electronic warfare systems, provided anti-ship and anti-aircraft support.

The ships passed through the Prince Christian Strait, practicing their skills in difficult conditions of drifting ice and low temperatures. The mission’s objective was to train French Navy officers and demonstrate France’s presence in a strategically important region.