Prairie canuck
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- Reaction score
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So if the Russians or Chinese decide to "claim" Borden Island or Mackenzie King island or Prince Patrick Island etc (and don't say they wouldn't, it is what they've done in many other locales) and set up a token base to solidify that claim what can troops in Iqaluit or even Alert do? Unless there's updated airports able to handle C17's then how else do you get there? Or do we whine and beg the US to defend us...... again..It's of significantly more use outside the Arctic increasing our global presence and capabilities.
We have a lot more pressing issues than the Arctic. Politicians will mention Arctic sovereignty, but in real terms it's an afterthought and niche capability.
Even the AOPS have spent more time patrolling the Caribbean than the Arctic. Focusing on a lens of "everything must be Arctic capable" misses the point. And if something really went down, we would fly troops up to Iqualuit or Alert.