In and of itself this is an impressive demonstration of Russia’s continued standing and leading position in the Arctic, in spite of its deteriorating status and capability, elsewhere in the World at present.
This move in space signals a number of strategic, geoeconomic, geopolitical and governance factors, intimately associated with the Arktika-M satellite array. Strategically the system facilitates wider capability and capacity regarding dual-use technology systems in space, and their now greater guidance, coordination, and management from the Eurasian Arctic region(s). Geo-economically speaking, a key to the viability of the NSR’s future role as an emerging international maritime trade route between Asia and Europe, is safe navigation, excellent communications, and ice detection and forecasting capability along the route, 24/7 – at all times of the year. Arkteka-M now immeasurably advances those requirements for the NSR – and elsewhere across the Arctic.
From a geopolitical and governance point of view, such domain observation/coverage is an immense advantage to Russia in the region. It now also means that internet / GONASS will eventually cover the Eastern Arctic where the West’s GPS system is poor or non-existent. The possibility of limited governance over the Arctic region, from unregulated space is now a reality; this should be a wake-up call to Western governments.
Finally, it is probably not coincidental that China’s assertion of recent times that “with technological command over the Arctic from space, one can control two Oceans and three continents” is now more realisable with this Russian technological development in space, covering the entire northern hemisphere – and undefined “adjacent territories”. The Sino-Russian joint “Technology & Innovation Programme” has been running since 2019. It is focused on Big Data, AI and IoT; all three are facilitated/linked by satellite services in space.
The PDF of the document is available to download here, or by clicking the image of the cover.
https://www.fpa2.org/en/initiatives/the-polar-initiative-012
Welcome to the inaugural edition of Arctic Focus, which will initially be published every quarter. Its purpose is to provide news and expert analysis on the rapidly changing Arctic region that will have a major impact on businesses with an interest there. Our expert author, Tim Reilly, provides a uniquely well-informed view of Arctic developments and is a co-founder of a UK/Norwegian Arctic risk management and research consultancy that works with firms in the energy, mining, associated infrastructure and shipping sectors.
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