Trump instructed to create a fleet of icebreakers to protect U.S. interests in the Arctic and Antarctic
The President of the United States Donald trump instructed to 2029 fiscal year to develop a plan for the establishment of the Arctic fleet. This is stated in the Memorandum “On the protection of national interests in the Arctic and the Antarctic”, published on the White house website on 9 June.
Fleet of icebreakers, is designed “to protect the American national interests in the Arctic and Antarctic regions and to retain a strong Arctic presence in the field of security together with allies and partners in the United States.”
The size of the fleet, types of ships and where they are based should be developed by 2022. The Memorandum States that the ships must be equipped “unmanned aerial, surface and underwater systems; space systems; sensors and other systems to maintain awareness; systems of intelligence gathering”.
In addition, ships must be equipped with “defensive weapons sufficient to protect against threats from nearby rivals.”
Trump instructed to study the feasibility of purchase or lease of future polar icebreakers for the Navy.
Last year U.S. Secretary of state Mike Pompeo accused Russia and China of aggressive behavior in the Arctic region. He, in particular, said that “Moscow illegally demands that other countries have asked Russia for permission to use the route via the Arctic ocean.”
Then the trump Advisor for homeland security John Bolton stated that the United States needs to”restore leadership” in the Arctic.
