Coverage

Russian strategic bombers carried out a 16‑hour test flight over the Barents Sea and nearby Norwegian waters.

Peter Mackay discusses Canada's agreement with Australia to deploy an Arctic radar system.

The Trump administration tried to lease 1.5 million acres of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for drilling, but years of public pressure halted the move.

$17.2 million from Canada will fund four renewable projects in Nunavut—an $8.5 million micro‑grid for Iqaluit’s Aqsarniit hotel, a $4.8 million study of solar and wind sites, a $2.5 million Rankin Inlet solar battery system and a $1.3 million QEC review—to cut diesel use in Arctic communities.

During Op NANOOK‑NUNALIVUT the Canadian Forces’ 440 Transport Squadron flew missions across the Arctic’s most challenging weather and terrain, underscoring the country’s readiness to operate in harsh environments.

Russia erected a 21,000‑ton barge‑mounted nuclear power plant that has been moored off a small Arctic port since 2019, quietly powering the nearby community.

Melting Arctic ice is creating new shipping routes while heightening strategic competition in the High North, leading NATO to shift its operational posture to address emerging security challenges.

Iceland is set to hold a referendum this summer on whether to resume EU accession talks. The author argues that adopting a flexible multi‑speed enlargement model would allow the country—whose fisheries disputes have stalled negotiations—to join and reinforce the EU’s Arctic strategy, adding expertise in ocean governance while tightening security against Russian and Chinese activity.

Inuit leaders Natan Obed and Pita Aatami cautioned that Canada’s planned $40 billion Arctic defence spending could repeat past harms unless Inuit partners are involved, calling for consultations and dual‑use infrastructure to support both security upgrades in places such as Yellowknife, Iqaluit, and Goose Bay and community needs like broadband and health care.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced that U.S. Interior Department will restore off‑road vehicle access to Gates of the Arctic National Park for subsistence hunting, a change long sought by Anaktuvuk Pass residents.

Japan has launched its first Arctic research vessel, the Mirai II, which can break sea ice and deploy underwater drones for marine surveys.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff have designated Arctic Edge 25 as a joint and combined field training exercise focusing on homeland defense across Alaska and the broader Arctic region.

Nam Jae‑heon named vice minister heading South Korea’s Arctic Route Promotion Headquarters, signaling Seoul’s push to develop Arctic shipping routes.

The opening of Qaqortoq’s new airport on April 16, 2026 replaces the remote Narsarsuaq hub with a modern 1,500‑meter runway that can handle Dash 8 turboprops, providing direct air service to South Greenland for the first time and boosting tourism and local economy.

Russia has commissioned the Yasen‑M class submarine 'Murmansk', featuring stealth and Zircon hypersonic missile launch capability, boosting its deterrence posture in the Arctic.

Russia has laid the keel of its tenth Yasen‑class submarine, Murmansk, which will be armed with torpedoes, conventional cruise missiles, and the Tsirkon hypersonic missile for Arctic operations.

Record tuberculosis cases hit 116 in Nunavik’s northern communities this year, with Akulivik reporting around 20 active cases early June. A regional health board’s screening drive has been hampered by mistrust, police‑enforced treatment fears and limited local resources, prompting calls for sustained community‑based support.

After the Alaska Legislature approved a version of an LNG project tax‑break bill with higher taxes and corporate income‑tax provisions, Gov. Mike Dunleavy rejected those Senate amendments. He said the state will convene another special session to seek a bill that provides the larger tax break he and developer Glenfarne favor.

Following a two‑day Arctic sovereignty conference in Ottawa, the leader of Canada’s national Inuit organization warned that if the federal government does not strengthen ties with Inuit leaders, the community may look abroad for partners and support.

Russia's recent filing for a vast stretch of Arctic continental shelf is currently being examined by the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf, with officials optimistic about quick approval.