Threats IN, TO, and THROUGH East of Greenland

Impliciations for Canadian Defence

Abstract

The waters and airspace east of Greenland are a nexus of Canadian defence concerns. Here, the Russian Arctic Bastion defence borders the sea lines of communication (SLOC) between North America and Europe and is becoming an increasingly important stage for international strategic competition. East of Greenland also marks the boundary between the waters of the European Arctic and those of North America. The strategic space east of Greenland is of tremendous and growing importance for NATO and Russia. While there are threats “in” and “to” this region, most of these military threats are intended to open the way “through” towards North America. Contributing military capabilities to this vital region could be a barometer for Canadian defence credibility with its allies and a means to maximizing their effectiveness.