US deploys warship and army units near Alaska amid rising tensions with Russia

The US military is ramping up its presence near Alaska, deploying a destroyer and Army units equipped with long-range missile systems, as Russian and Chinese military activity in the region intensifies.

In response to recent operations by the Russian navy near the Alaskan coast, the USS Sterett destroyer has been dispatched, and Army troops have landed on a remote Alaskan island. Additionally, fighter squadrons and other aircraft stationed in Alaska have been placed on heightened alert, Politico reported.

Over the past month, North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has tracked increased Russian air operations close to Alaskan airspace. Russian and Chinese warships have also conducted joint exercises across the Pacific near Japan, adding to concerns in Washington.

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Moscow’s military actions in the Indo-Pacific and Arctic regions, in collaboration with China, come as both nations grow closer amid isolation from the international community.

Russia’s war in Ukraine has further strained its alliances in Europe, leading to strengthened ties with Beijing.

Russian Forces Ramp up exercises

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov issued a warning, stating that Russia is “fully ready” for a potential conflict with NATO in the Arctic. Lavrov’s remarks came during a Russian documentary series and were first reported by state media on Friday.

“We see NATO stepping up drills related to possible crises in the Arctic,” Lavrov said. “Our country is fully ready to defend its interests militarily, politically, and with advanced defense technologies.”

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The Arctic region includes territories belonging to eight nations, including the U.S., Canada, and several NATO members.
Lavrov emphasized that Russia would defend its interests and noted that non-Arctic nations like China and India also have stakes in the region.

Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) expressed concerns over the growing military activity, citing a noticeable increase in Russian and Chinese joint operations. He called for the expansion of military infrastructure in Alaska to address the region’s escalating security challenges.

“The tempo has gone way up,” said Sullivan, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “They’re clearly escalatory.”

In July, NORAD intercepted Russian and Chinese bombers flying just 200 miles from the Alaskan coast, marking the first time both nations’ aircraft had been intercepted while operating together.

Coordinated US response

The US military deployments come as Russian forces continue to increase their presence near Alaska. On September 15, the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Stratton detected four Russian navy vessels, including submarines and frigates, 57 miles northwest of Point Hope, Alaska. While the vessels remained in international waters, they transited approximately 30 miles inside the US Exclusive Economic Zone.

The U.S. Army’s 11th Airborne Division, along with units from the 1st and 3rd Multi-Domain Task Forces, deployed to Shemya in the Aleutian Islands for a previously planned exercise.

The units brought along radars and a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System to enhance regional defense capabilities. Meanwhile, the USS Sterett destroyer, homeported in San Diego, recently docked at Dutch Harbor in the Aleutians after patrolling the Bering Sea.

US military officials continue to coordinate with NATO allies and Canada on intelligence sharing and responses to Russian and Chinese actions. Senate Armed Services Chair Jack Reed (D-RI) suggested that Russia’s increased activity near Alaska could be a direct response to U.S. support for Ukraine in its war with Russia.

On September 11, US F-16 jets intercepted two Russian Tu-142 reconnaissance aircraft entering the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone. NORAD tracked additional Russian aircraft in the following days, underscoring the ongoing tensions in the region.