Note invitation for Russian observers at end of quote. Wonder how large CAF participation will be? Frigate? CP-140? Army unit? The real Russian defence/naval worry in the Arctic seems to be the Euro area, including for the USN. North American Arctic not a problem in itself, rather as a route for cruise missiles to attack more southerly targets:
I've spent a couple of years of my life messing around in that part of the world - in winter time. It's beautiful!
Just in case you're wondering why the Ofoten area, centred on Narvik, here's one good reason:
The European Commission suggest prolonging one of Europe’s most important transport corridors to include Narvik in Northern Norway.
- This is excellent news, says Torjus Kleiven Kandal at the North Norway European Office. The Ofoten Railway and Narvik are already on the EU’s list of ‘core networks’, however, elevating its status to ‘core corridor’ would carry significant impact. The corridors are the highest prioritized transport areas and that is where the majority of money is spent.
Narvik is listed as the end station on a transport corridor starting on Malta, in the Mediterranean. Kandal explains that the Ofoten Railway carries major strategic significance for the EU:
- 90 % of the iron ore that is extracted in the EU comes from Kiruna (Sweden) and is shipped out via Narvik, so this is obviously important for German industry and the entire EU. In addition, the majority of goods supplies to Northern Norway arrive via rail. High regularity on this route is particularly important for business north of Narvik in Norway. Furthermore, there is a great potential for transporting more of fish from Northern Norway to the markets via rail. Transport bottlenecks need to be removed in order to supply fish from Northern Norway to Europe, and other goods to the Arctic, Kandal says.
The European Commission suggest prolonging one of Europe’s most important transport corridors to include Narvik in Northern Norway.
www.highnorthnews.com