Geopolitics of the far north

"SWEDEN

In June, Sweden held its largest northern military exercise since the end of World War II. About 12,000 troops, 50 aircraft and several warships were involved in a NATO operation. The Swedes have also raised the possibility of forming a northern security alliance with Finland, Denmark, Iceland and Norway. At right, a Swedish air force Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter.

NORWAY

Last year, Norway purchased 48 Lockheed F-35 fighter jets (like the one at left) partly because of their suitability for Arctic patrols. Last March, Norway participated in a major NATO Arctic military practice involving 7,000 soldiers from 13 countries in which a fictional country called Northland seized offshore oilrigs. The exercise prompted a protest from Russia. In June, Norway moved its military command to the north of the country."

12 000 and 7 000 military personelle respectively. And they aren't even a part of the biggest issues in the arctic.

We really need to step up, there is too much talk and not enough action out of this conservative government. Even saying we're going to be sticking .50 cals on the bows of all the coast guard ships aswell as anti-air, ship, and sub equipment on the bigger ones would be a nice touch.

They will do the Conservative thing run to the Americans, and ask for help

With that approach we lose the northwest passage and the beaufort sea, which i'd rather have then territory beyond the arctic circle.

And it's not a conservative thing, it's a federal thing in general. Both the Liberals and conservatives are guilty of kissing ass.