The US military is increasing its presence near Alaska, deploying a destroyer and Army teams provided with long-range missile systems, as Russian and Chinese military movement in the region strengthens. In response to recent functions by the Russian navy near the Alaskan coast, the USS Sterett destroyer has been sent, and Army troops have anchored on a remote Alaskan island. 

Over the past month, North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has followed increased Russian air processes close to Alaskan airspace. Russian and Chinese warships have also executed joint exercises across the Pacific near Japan, adding to problems in Washington. Moscow’s military activities in the Indo-Pacific and Arctic regions, in cooperation with China, come as both nations develop closer amid isolation from the international community. Russia’s war in Ukraine has additionally strained its alliances in Europe, leading to intensified ties with Beijing

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov administered a warning, noting that Russia is “fully ready” for a potential battle with NATO in the Arctic. Lavrov’s comments came during a Russian documentary series and were first noted by state media.

“We see NATO stepping up drills related to possible crises in the Arctic,” Lavrov stated. “Our country is fully ready to defend its interests militarily, politically, and with advanced defence technologies.”

The Arctic area includes territories belonging to eight countries, including the U.S., Canada, and several NATO members. Lavrov stressed that Russia would defend its interests and stated that non-Arctic nations like China and India also have stakes in the region.

Sen. Dan Sullivan voiced concerns over the growing military action, citing a noticeable growth in Russian and Chinese joint operations. He called for the development of military infrastructure in Alaska to manage the region’s escalating security challenges. “The tempo has gone way up,” said Sullivan, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “They’re escalators.”

In July, NORAD thwarted Russian and Chinese bombers flying just 200 miles from the Alaskan coast, observing the first time both nations’ aircraft had been blocked while operating together.

The US military deployments come as Russian forces persist to increase their presence near Alaska. On September 15, the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Stratton caught four Russian navy vessels, including submarines and frigates, 57 miles northwest of Point Hope, Alaska. While the vessels stayed in international waters, they transited roughly 30 miles inside the US Exclusive Economic Zone.