In the Arctic region, there are numerous manned military installations and bases, along with many radar sites and support infrastructure. This militarization began during World War II, decreased post-Cold War, but has seen a resurgence in the last decade due to climate change impacts and heightened tensions, particularly with Russia.
Canada, despite having vast Arctic territories, maintains only eight active military sites, with the largest in Yellowknife. Alert, located on Ellesmere Island, is the northernmost operational military facility globally, with about 55 personnel on rotation. Additionally, Canada operates 47 unmanned radar sites as part of the North Warning System.
Greenland houses three military bases, including the U.S. Pituffik Space Base, known for its northern deep-water port and year-round airfield operations. The U.S. had multiple bases in Greenland during the Cold War and maintains the option to re-establish under a 1951 treaty with Denmark, which grants Denmark sovereignty over Greenland but allows significant U.S. military presence.
Alaska is the sole Arctic region of the U.S., home to all ten domestic northern military facilities. These facilities include airbases hosting advanced fighter jets and troops, as well as Fort Greely, operating interceptor missiles for defense purposes.
Russia holds the largest military presence in the Arctic, with an estimated 30 to 40 manned facilities across its vast northern territories. The majority of Russia’s Arctic forces are concentrated in the Kola Peninsula, near the Barents Sea, hosting air bases, naval fleets, and various military assets, making it one of the most heavily armed regions globally.
Norway, sharing a land border with Russia, maintains 15 military facilities in its Arctic region to assert its military strength and deter potential threats. Norway also oversees the Svalbard Islands, governed by a demilitarization treaty since 1920 despite their strategic location in the Arctic.